Steinmetz & Associates
55 St. Clair Ave,. W., Suite 410 M4V 2Y7 Toronto, ON, Canada

Examination for Discovery: What to Expect Examination for discovery is one of the most important parts of a personal injury lawsuit. Discovery involves the defendant's lawyer asking you questions about the accident and the subsequent injuries that you have suffered. It also involves broader questions about your employment situation and family life. Often, the lawyer interrogating you may ask questions that are personal and that may make you feel uncomfortable. As a result, it... is important that you know what to expect from your examination so that it can go as smoothly as possible. First, it is important to know that opposing counsel cannot ask you every question that pops into their head. The main purpose of an examination for discovery is to obtain disclosure. All questions and requests have to be relevant to the lawsuit. Furthermore, the lawyer is not allowed to bully or insult you. If they partake in such behavior or otherwise ask irrelevant questions, your lawyer will intervene and object to the question. However, it is possible that certain relevant questions may appear offensive or personal. In such situations, you must keep your composure, remember why the question is being asked, and calmly give an answer. Second, the best tip for getting through your examination is to tell the truth. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Do not volunteer information that has not been asked. Answer yes or no questions in a straightforward way. If you do not remember or do not understand the question, say so. If you realize that you have made some kind of mistake, say so and correct it. As long as you tell the truth and are direct in your answers, your examination for discovery will go smoothly. The information represented in this blog should not be construed as legal advice. It is presented simply for educational purposes alone. Please consult a lawyer as it relates to your individual circumstances, as this blog post (and any other material on this website) is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal advice. Any reliance on these materials is at your own risk.

Hosting A Party This Holiday Season? Here’s What You Need to Know About Serving Alcohol The end of the year is often an opportunity for friends and family to get together and celebrate. As a host, it is your responsibility to make sure that your guests are having a good time. But are you also responsible for making sure that they don’t take the wheel after drinking at your party? Social hosts do not have the same duties as bars or restaurants. Generally, you will not be held... liable for the injuries of a third-party if one of your guests gets intoxicated and subsequently causes an accident. However, you may be held liable under certain circumstances. First, if there is a paternalistic relationship between you and one of your guests (for example, in the case of a father-son relationship), you may be held liable for that guest’s injuries. Second, if you invite your guests to partake in a risky activity, then you may be held liable for subsequent injuries. For example, if your party involves a mandatory drinking game and you provide the alcohol, then you may be responsible for making sure that your guests do not get behind the wheel intoxicated. However, simply offering your home as a space for a social gathering is not sufficient for you to be responsible for your guests. Thus, this holiday season, think about what kind of party you will be hosting and whether you will be required to monitor those who attend. In any event, it is always best to remind your guests to plan ahead if they intend to drink so that everyone can have a safe holiday season. The information represented in this blog should not be construed as legal advice. It is presented simply for educational purposes alone. Please consult a lawyer as it relates to your individual circumstances, as this blog post (and any other material on this website) is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal advice. Any reliance on these materials is at your own risk.