Attorneys and Expert’s Depositions

Just this past week, I was scheduled to give a deposition in another of my investigated cases.  In this particular case, the issue was centered around whether a plumber was negligent in installing a 3″ pvc water supply line. Approximately 9 months after the line was installed, a coupling failed resulting in water damage to a healthcare facility.  The case is now coming full circle by the taking of witness statements by the attorneys for each side.  Answering the opposing attorney’s questions is not a problem as I am usually well prepared.  The problems arise when the opposing attorney doesn’t want to pay the expert’s bill for the deposition. This was exactly the situation I faced which, I might add, was not the first time. However, due to previous experience, I have learned to insist on receiving payment before testifying. The alternative is to leave the meeting without giving any statements. Those expert witnesses that have been in practice for several years all well aware of this tactic.