Using Mini-Opening Statements for a Construction Injury Case

July 7th, 2022

As you move forward with a construction injury case, your mini-opening statement can make all the difference during the jury selection process. The judge must allow you to present your statement before all the voir dire questions start in earnest. 

So, you must take the right approach to make the most of this opportunity. Otherwise, you could end up with bad or biased jurors hearing your case. To avoid that scenario, here are some tips on using mini-opening statements to your client’s advantage.

Present All the Facts 

Like with sworn testimony, your opening statement must be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Although it’s tempting to shy away from facts that seem damaging to your case, it’s really best to just lay them out for all to consider. 

With that move, you can better identify jurors who are already suspect of your case and unwilling to hear the whole story truly. So, lay it all out in your mini-opening statements – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and let the jurors reveal themselves for who they really are. Once you do that, you’ll find it much easier to pick the right ones for your jury. 

Stay Matter-Of-Fact 

While picking jurors, you want to do all you can to eliminate bias in the jury. So, always strive to present your mini-openings in a neutral, matter-of-fact manner. Go point by point while spelling out the details of the case. As you do that, you’ll hopefully reveal their actual biases without influencing them with your thoughts and feelings on the matter. 

Once their biases against your client or their case come to light, the judge must excuse them from the jury panel. Otherwise, their preconceived notions could impact their ability to stay impartial. Your client will then have a fair shake at justice as a relatively unbiased jury forms. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

Well-crafted mini-opening statements don’t just come together at the very last moment. They’re built from the ground up using much thought and consideration about the construction site injury case. In addition, they’re practiced until presented in full using a matter-of-fact approach. 

So, sit down and write up your mini-opening for each construction site injury case trial you have on your schedule. Then, get in front of the mirror and start presenting the facts fully and without any of your personal biases leaking through. Repeat this process until you have the statement down pat, so you can focus on getting the best jury for your clients. 

Want More Info on Creating Mini Opening Statements? 

If you’d like more info on creating impactful mini-opening statements, get in touch with our team at Kramer Trial Lawyers. Our skilled legal team is always available at 310-551-0600 to discuss your case. Every case is different, so it’s often helpful to get assistance when unsure how to proceed.