Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
Deposition
My mother has a legal case in Ga that was just settled and she is being told by her lawyer that she can only get a copy of her deposition if she purchases it at the cost of $500. My question is should she pay? Do clients normally have to pay for their own deposition or is it furnished by the lawyer who incurs the cost?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Deposition
You mother should discuss the issues with her lawyer. No one can second guess the lawyer based on second hand information from someone else. I'll add that lawyers generally do not pay the expenses in cases, but we have no idea what the fee agreement is.
Re: Deposition
Clients must bear those costs. Some lawyers advance them, but then the client is required to pay them back.
Re: Deposition
It is the court reporters who control the costs, not the attorneys. Howeever, the court reporters' fees can be stiff. Since the case has been settled, contact the court reporter directly and see if you can negotiate the price. Also, if the deposition was filed in the clerk's office, you can get a copy from the clerk.
Re: Deposition
It is likely that your mother signed a fee agreement in which she agreed to pay for litigation fees/costs. Fees assoicated with depositions are included within that language.