What is the discovery period in a personal injury case?

In Washington, the discovery period in a personal injury case refers to the time when evidence and information are collected to support a claim. This important process is necessary to help establish liability and damages owed in an accident lawsuit. During the discovery period, the plaintiffs and defendants exchange information with each other through a process known as “discovery requests” and “answers.” These typically includes documents such as medical records, police reports, bank statements, and other evidence that is relevant to the case. Additionally, parties can also conduct depositions, in which individuals are asked questions under oath, to collect additional evidence and facts. The discovery period has a time limit, which varies depending on the court’s rules and the agreement between the parties. Generally, it could be anywhere from a few months to several years. This period is important for lawyers to collect the necessary information before entering a settlement or taking the case to trial. By the end of the discovery period, the parties should have all the evidence and facts needed to make an informed decision about their case. If all the information and evidence collected is satisfactory, then the parties can come to a settlement agreement. If not, then the case may proceed to trial where the evidence can be presented to a jury.

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