If you do not respond to the complaint in a timely fashion, a default judgment can be entered against you whether you would otherwise be liable or not. The Answer This is your official pleading, filed with the court in which you deny wrong doing. Ordinarily your answer must be filed within 30 days of service of the complaint. Once the pleadings are underway, you enter the discovery phase of the case. This is where you get your first opportunity to find out why you are being sued and the nature of the damages being claimed against you.
Discovery can be formal or informal.
Informal discovery usually consists of interviews and other extraneous gathering of facts and information. Probably the most important phase of discovery, at least to you, will be your deposition. Your deposition can make or break your case so it is important that you take it seriously and spend time with your attorney preparing for the deposition. In a malpractice case or other technical matter, most of the case is determined by the opinion testimony of expert witnesses. Once discovery is underway, the court will set a trial date at a Trial Setting or Case Management Conference.