The lawsuit begins when the plaintiff files a complaint with the court that describes what happened and names the responsible defendant. After the complaint is filed, the defendant then has a limited time to respond to the court with an answer, in which they can admit or deny what is alleged in the complaint. After the complaint is filed, the plaintiff and defendant have the right to demand that each other respond under oath to written questions (called Interrogatories), document requests, inspections, medical exams (related to the injuries from the incident), and make themselves available for depositions. It is important that our office is able to reach you promptly during this period because there are penalties the can be imposed if a party to the lawsuit does not respond within specified periods. Throughout this phase and the rest of the case, our office works with various experts as needed to understand the evidence related to the incident and any injuries, and to develop the case.