AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

Who is responsible for covering the costs associated with the deposition?

1. The plaintiff's attorney

2. The defendant

3. The insurance company

4. The judge

The correct answer is: The insurance company

In the context of depositions, the responsibility for covering costs typically falls on the party who notices the deposition. This often means that the party seeking the deposition will bear its associated costs. While it can be common for plaintiffs to cover such costs if they initiate legal action, it's also important to consider that in some instances, particularly in scenarios involving insurance claims, the insurance company may assume responsibility. The selection of the insurance company as the entity responsible reflects the understanding that, in many cases, insurance policies cover legal fees and depositions for their insured parties, especially in personal injury or liability cases. By underwriting these costs, the insurance company can help to streamline the legal process and provide financial support for their clients during litigation. In contrast, the other options represent scenarios that may not always align with standard practices. For instance, the plaintiff's attorney or the defendant are generally not solely responsible for deposition costs unless they initiated the process, and judges typically do not cover such expenses. The understanding of who pays for a deposition can vary by jurisdiction and specific case circumstances, which is why it's vital to refer to the rules governing the particular legal context.