Interrogatories are written questions that one party in a lawsuit sends to the other party, who must answer them in writing and under oath as part of the legal discovery process. These questions are designed to gather information about the case, such as details about how an accident happened, what injuries were sustained, what medical treatment was received, and what damages are being claimed. The person receiving the interrogatories must respond truthfully and completely within a specified time period, usually 30 days, and their answers become part of the official court record.
In personal injury cases, both sides typically use interrogatories to learn more about each other's version of events and to gather evidence for trial. For example, the defendant's insurance company might send interrogatories asking the injured person to describe exactly how the accident occurred, list all their medical providers, and explain how their injuries have affected their daily life and work. While answering interrogatories can seem tedious and invasive, they serve an important purpose in helping both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and the answers often influence settlement negotiations and trial strategy.
