Litigation in connection with engineering projects and services continues to be on the rise. The vast majority of testimony by engineers is offered through deposition. Preparation is key to successfully offering deposition and/or trial testimony. Although these services are less frequently needed when compared to others provided by engineers, when such services are desired (or required) as a function of litigation, it is extremely important that engineering professionals understand both the process as well as desirable traits associated with effective testimony. This presentation will offer a brief overview of the factual and procedural information about litigation, but primarily provide guidance from the engineers’ point of view in the areas of:
What makes a credible witness?
Especially in the case of litigation, engineers must be master of their own domain, and keep their integrity intact by being able to explain anything that they have done or not done in a manner that is understood by non-technical people. Surprises generally happen only when preparation is lacking, or discovery was conducted poorly.
Learning Objectives: