Rule 4:5 governs oral depositions. It states:
(a) When Depositions May Be Taken. After commencement of the action, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination. Leave of court, granted with or without notice, must be obtained only if the plaintiff seeks to take a deposition before the expiration of the period within which a defendant may file a responsive pleading under Rule 3:8, except that leave is not required (1) if a defendant has served a notice of taking deposition, or (2) if special notice is given as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this Rule. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by subpoena. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.
Takeaway: Depositions are a powerful tool to get information from parties, witnesses, expert witnesses, and medical providers. Usually your personal injury lawyer or workers compensation attorney will not need permission to take a person’s deposition. Your attorney should, however, subpoena the witness to deposition if there is a concern that the witness will not show up voluntarily.
(a1) Taking of Depositions.