and If you were injured by a dog and hired a lawyer, at some point you will attend a deposition. A deposition is one of the most important stages of a dog bite case because the defense attorney will test your story, your memory, and your credibility. What happens in that room can significantly affect the value of your case.
I have been dealing with insurance companies and defense attorneys who challenge dog bite victims during depositions, and I know how to guide people through this process. I have learned what to watch for, especially the small details opposing counsel hopes you will overlook.
If you have questions about your specific case, call me at (888) 712-0017. I offer free consultations, there is no pressure, and you do not pay unless we win.
To learn more about who I am and how I practice, you can visit my attorney profile here:
https://howelljustice.com/about-jonathan-howell/
What a Deposition Really Means in a Dog Bite Case
A deposition is a recorded question and answer session under oath. It is not casual. It is an opportunity for the defense to strengthen their case and weaken yours. They pay close attention to:
- Whether your story is consistent
- Whether your details line up with records and photos
- Whether you describe anything that could be seen as provocation
- Whether your injuries sound severe and well documented
- Whether you appear credible and confident
The defense will look for anything they can reinterpret in their favor. Even small details can become leverage.
Why the Defense Attorney Is a Challenge
Opposing counsel is not there to get an honest understanding of what happened. Their job is to reshape the narrative. They often do this by asking questions in a way that encourages you to:
- Agree with interpretations that shift blame
- Provide details you were not sure about
- Accept statements that are not accurate
- Fill in gaps that cannot be verified
- Adopt their version of events without realizing it
They know most people get nervous in depositions. And they rely on that discomfort to draw out answers they can use against you.
How I Prepare Clients Before a Deposition
My approach is straightforward but thorough. I focus on several key areas to make sure you are ready for the challenges the defense will present.
1. Understanding the Defense Strategy
We walk through the themes the defense will likely push. In dog bite cases, these often include:
- You provoked the dog
- You behaved unsafely or unpredictably
- You ignored warnings or signals
- Your injuries are exaggerated
- The incident happened differently than you remember
Once clients understand these predictable strategies, it becomes much harder for the defense to catch them off guard.
2. Clarifying the Important Facts
The strongest testimony is based on what can be supported by evidence, such as:
- What the dog did
- Where you were positioned
- How the bite occurred
- The injuries documented in your medical records
- Your daily limitations after the incident
We review these facts carefully so your testimony is aligned with the evidence.
3. Identifying Areas the Defense Will Target
Every case has specific pressure points. For example:
- Disagreement about how close you were to the dog
- Confusion about your position on the ground
- Conflicts between your account and the dog’s owner
- Memory gaps caused by shock or pain
By addressing these areas before the deposition, you feel prepared instead of surprised.
A Real Example of How Preparation Protects You
One of my clients suffered a serious eyelid injury after a dog suddenly snapped at her. She said she was sitting cross-legged on the ground playing with the dog. The owner claimed she was on all fours with her face near the dog’s face.
During the deposition, the defense attorney repeatedly tried to push her into accepting the owner’s version. It was a clear attempt to shift blame.
Because we had prepared extensively, my client stayed steady and consistent. The defense could not distort her account, and the case later settled favorably.
Why You Should Not Try to Handle This Alone
Defense attorneys are skilled at asking subtle, leading questions that look harmless on the surface but are designed to reinterpret the facts. They know exactly how to take advantage of uncertainty or nervousness.
When I prepare clients, my goals include:
- Protecting you from being misinterpreted
- Keeping your testimony aligned with the evidence
- Making sure the defense cannot twist your words
- Helping you remain composed and confident
You should never walk into a deposition without preparation and support.
Helpful Resources for Dog Bite Victims
AVMA, Dog Bite Prevention
California Department of Public Health, Animal Bite Reporting
Local Animal Control or County Bite Reporting
Final Thoughts
A deposition is a critical moment in your dog bite case. It is where the defense attorney tests your credibility and tries to reshape the story in their favor. With the right preparation, you can walk into the room confident, supported, and protected.
If you believe you have a dog bite case or have a deposition coming up, this is the right time to get legal guidance. You do not have to face this process alone.