Written Interrogatories
Interrogatories are a form of discovery in which the parties to a case are required to answer, under oath, a series of written questions relevant to the case. See R. 4:17.
Some important points relative to interrogatories are:
In all negligence actions seeking recovery for property damage to autos or personal injury actions, there are certain uniform interrogatories which must be used. These appear as Appendix II to the Rules of Court. Uniform interrogatories are not used in professional malpractice, toxic tort and wrongful death cases.
A defendant served with a complaint in a case type for which uniform interrogatories have been adopted, is deemed to have been simultaneously served with such interrogatories, and must serve answers to the appropriate uniform interrogatories within 60 days after service of the answer to the complaint. See Rules 4:17- 1, -2, -4.
The plaintiff is deemed to have been served with uniform interrogatories simultaneously with service of defendant’s answer to the complaint, and must serve answers to the interrogatories within 30 days.
Motions can be made to strike certain questions or to compel more specific answers.
If new information is found which renders any answers to interrogatories inaccurate, amended answers must be served.
Interrogatories may be used at the time of trial to contradict or impeach testimony -- as is the case with depositions.
Interrogatories are not separately filed with the court, but may be filed as part of a discovery motion.
More information can be obtained from “ A PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO NEW JERSEY’S CIVIL COURT PROCEDURES”
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/civil/PractitionersGuideManualAppendicesMay2007WebPostingVersion.pdf KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
Personal Injury Dept.: 732-572-0024
website: www.njpersonalinjurylawcenter.com
