If you are called as a witness in a civil compensation claims case do you have to attend the court?

Question

The incident was 4 years ago and full statements were made to the police and the company defending the claim. I have nothing more to add. Am I legally required to attend as it is a long way away and would be very inconvenient to me?

Answer 1

You are not legally required to attend unless you have been served with a formal witness summons accompanied by qwhat is known as 'tender money'. This is a very obvious document so you would not be in any doubt if you had received one. If you're not sure, you haven't been served with one.
Failure to honour a witness summons issued by the court can (theoretically) result in a fine or imprisonment. In practice, they never do - I've never seen one actually enforced in 15 years of practice.
If you do not intend to go then best not to tell the party whose requested your attendance or else they may apply for a witness summons.
However, the civil courts depend on the co-operation of witnesses and so don't take the decison not to go lightly.

Answer 2

If you were subpoenaed, you have to attend the court hearing. If you don't, you will run the risk of being in contempt.

If you were not subpoenaed, you do not have to attend.

If there is a problem with scheduling, contact the attorney who subpoenaed you and see if arrangements can be made to schedule you for a different time during the trial.

You should be compensated for your travel expenses in attending any hearing or trial. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may even be paid a witness fee.

Answer 3

Hi James,

In the UK

Often a written statement is accepted by the court as evidence but you may be called to give verbal evidence if the either side or the judge think it is important enough. You may have to elaborate on what you have written.

A judge can order you to attend to give evidence.

Contact the solicitor who has asked you to attend to find out if it is really necessary or if it is by court order then contact the clerk to the court to explain your circumstances.

You can claim all reasonable expenses and any loss of earnings.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

you need to not basically ignore approximately a summons to court docket. it is not a request, this is an order. in case you do no longer attend the court docket can (and could) order which you be arrested and delivered till now them that way. you like expert felony suggestion now, no longer what you're able to get carry of on right here.