Legal Topic of the Week
Welcome to this round of the legal topic of the week! I know it’s a long one, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you’ve ever been involved in a lawsuit, you may have heard the term interrogatory and wondered what it means. In short, an interrogatory is a written question one party sends to the other during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. These questions are answered under oath and serve as a formal way to gather facts before trial. The term stems from the Latin word interrogare, meaning ‘to ask. They’ve been a key part of legal discovery for centuries.
In Texas, interrogatories are governed by specific court rules. For example, each party is usually limited to 25 questions unless the court approves more, and objections to the questions typically must be raised within 30 days. Interrogatories are especially common in personal injury, contract, and employment disputes, where uncovering details like timelines, damages, or witness accounts is critical to building a new case.
How Interrogatories Work
For example, let’s say you’re suing a contractor because of a botched home renovation. As part of the case, the contractor’s attorney sends you interrogatories asking you to list all communications you had with the contractor between June and December of that year. This is your opportunity to clearly and thoroughly describe emails, texts, phone calls, and meetings that support your claim.
Because your answers are sworn statements, accuracy is key. Failing to respond fully or missing the deadline to object to improper questions could hurt your case or even lead to sanctions from the court. On the flip side, however, well-prepared answers can lay a strong foundation for success at trial. Potentially, even encouraging settlement beforehand.
Why It Matters
Interrogatories may seem tedious, but they play a vital role in preparing your case. They help both sides clarify the facts and narrow issues before the trial. Taking the time to respond thoughtfully ensures your evidence and story are fully presented.
If you’ve been served with interrogatories and aren’t sure how to answer or what you can object to, you don’t have to handle it alone. Reach out to us with questions about interrogatories or for help with your next legal case.
See Mickey’s explanation of interrogatories here:
