Hello, All,
Hey, I was just deposed to give testimony regarding a case I was peripherally involved in, prior to my leaving medicine. While my lawyer has consuled me quite well, I wanted to get people's take on how much is a reasonable rate to charge for my time. I've heard everything from $200 to $700/hour. And can I only charge for time being deposed, or can I also charge for prep time (such as reviewing charts)?
I don't know if any of you have been in a similar circumstance, but I would appreciate any opinion thats out there. Thanks.
Dom
Hey, I was just deposed to give testimony regarding a case I was peripherally involved in, prior to my leaving medicine. While my lawyer has consuled me quite well, I wanted to get people's take on how much is a reasonable rate to charge for my time. I've heard everything from $200 to $700/hour. And can I only charge for time being deposed, or can I also charge for prep time (such as reviewing charts)?
I don't know if any of you have been in a similar circumstance, but I would appreciate any opinion thats out there. Thanks.
Dom
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Re: Question about lawyers and depositions....
Mon, January 22, 2007 - 12:14 PMhi dom --
i'd charge for both your time as well as prep time of reviewing charts (which would need to be documented).
i don't know what the case is, or what market you're in, but i'd base your research on your local market, and what fees it can bear (in other words, if you price too high, you might not get full reimbursement? if you price too low....well, as long as it covers the income loss of your time in court, that would be the main thing.
you might want to contact the local bar association and see what information they have. -
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Re: Question about lawyers and depositions....
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 10:05 AMHello, Isabeau,
Thanks for the reply. This a complex problem. Some docs allow themselves to be deposed for free; others make their living off of charging lawyers hundreds of dollars. Lawyers expect to be charged alot for this, but if you charge too high, they simply subpoena you. Which they have already done, even before I sent them a bill.
Thank God I'm not the one being sued, and thank God I've finally left medicine.
Practice well,
Dom -
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Re: Question about lawyers and depositions....
Wed, January 24, 2007 - 11:09 AMhi dom --
and good luck with the court appearance!
i think there's a happy medium between making a living off of being a professional witness, and being available because one has the necessary expertise and needs to cover time lost from other work (for instance, if i was to appear as a professioinal witness about acupuncture in a case, then i would need to cover the revenue lost from not being in the office (and i'd base my fee on the hours away from the office; maybe an additional fee for the prep time, it would really depend upon the case and who was asking me to be the witness).
and sometimes, someone might want to do such a thing as a form of 'giveaway'. it's up to each to determine what they're comfortable doing.
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Re: Question about lawyers and depositions....
Sun, February 11, 2007 - 10:18 AMAgreed with Isabeau. You charge for all time you've put into it and its based on the market. Generally, testifying experts can charge what you've quoted, depends on whether RN, MD or whatever as well.
