I have to testify on a personal injury case.  Any suggestions?

• Look professional.  Suits and ties do make a difference.  Dress conservatively.  First impressions are important.
  
• Look directly at the person asking you the questions or speaking to you.  Eye contact is important.
  
• If you are asked if you are getting paid to testify, answer, "I am being compensated for my time away from my office and patients.  My fee for this service is not dependent on the outcome of this case."
  
• Do not ever lose your temper or show annoyance with the questions being asked.
  
• If you are testifying in front of a jury, look at the jury when you are explaining a technical point or term.  Be prepared to explain technical terms in "simple" language.  Avoid harsh or violent sounding words such as dynamic trust or recoil.  These words may sound frightening to someone who is not familiar with chiropractic.
  
• Be prepared to list your credentials that establish you as an expert.  Bring a copy of your CV with the copy of your patient's chart.  Explain the difference between a Chiropractic Doctor and a Medical Doctor.  Be prepared with the facts of how long and what you studied in school.
  
• Be prepared to talk about similar cases and what the results were.  Know what YOUR fees are and be prepared to justify "usual and customary" charges.
  
• Listen to the complete questions being asked.  Only answer that question.  Do not volunteer any information.  Answer the yes and no questions with just a yes or no answer.  If you do not understand the questions, ask the attorney to repeat the question or rephrase it for you.
  
• Always remember that you are not an attorney.  Do not argue with the attorney, ever.  It is "their" courtroom not "your" office.
  
• ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH!