What Are Interrogatories in Georgia?
Short answer: Interrogatories are written questions one party in a lawsuit sends to another, and they must be answered in writing and under oath. In Georgia, a party can generally send up to 50, and your answers can be used against you later in the case.
Definition
Interrogatories are one of the main discovery tools in a civil case. Unlike a deposition, where you answer out loud, you answer interrogatories on paper with your lawyer’s help. You, not your lawyer, sign the answers under oath.
How it works in Georgia
- Limit: No more than 50 interrogatories, including subparts, may be served on another party without the court’s permission (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-33(a)).
- Deadline: Answers are due within 30 days after service. A defendant who receives interrogatories along with the lawsuit has 45 days after service of the summons and complaint (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-33(a)).
- Use at trial: Answers may be used to the extent the rules of evidence allow (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-33(b)). In practice, that most often means as admissions against the party who gave them or to challenge testimony that does not match.
- Enforcement: If a party does not answer, the court can compel answers and impose sanctions, including attorney’s fees, striking pleadings or dismissal (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-37(a), (d)).
- 2025 change: If a defendant files a motion to dismiss before answering, discovery is generally paused until the judge rules (O.C.G.A. § 9-11-12(j)).
Example
You sue after a crash on Buford Highway. With the complaint, your lawyer serves interrogatories asking the other driver whether he was working at the time and what insurance covers the crash. The defense asks you to list every doctor you have seen in recent years and any prior claims. You answer each one fully and accurately.
Why it matters for your claim
- Your answers are sworn. If your later testimony differs, the defense can use the difference to question your credibility.
- Leaving out a prior injury or doctor can hurt your case more than the prior injury itself.
- Interrogatories to the defense can reveal insurance coverage, employers and other parties who may share fault.
Read more: How long a personal injury case takes in Georgia.
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more time to answer?
Often, yes. Lawyers commonly agree to short extensions, and the court can shorten or lengthen the deadline.
What questions are asked in a car accident case?
Common questions cover how the crash happened, your injuries and treatment, doctors you saw before the crash, earlier claims, lost wages and witnesses.
Can I refuse to answer an interrogatory?
Your lawyer can object to improper questions, such as ones that seek privileged communications or go past the 50-question limit. Otherwise, you must answer, and ignoring interrogatories can lead to sanctions that damage or end your case.
Browse the full Georgia personal injury glossary
Questions about how this applies to your accident? Call 888-BIG-GUNN or request a free case review. There is no fee unless we win.
This is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for your situation.
