Pre Hearing Statement

---
name: pre-hearing-statement
description: Drafts a Pre-Hearing Statement of Proof for personal injury litigation. Use when preparing prehearing statements, statements of proof, or evidentiary summaries for hearings before courts or administrative agencies.
tags:
  - brief
  - drafting
  - litigation
---

# Pre-Hearing Statement of Proof

Produces a numbered-paragraph prehearing submission presenting evidentiary foundation, witness summaries, and legal arguments for a personal injury matter.

## Required Inputs

1. **Case identifiers** — name, number, forum/agency, hearing date, submitting party
2. **Chronological facts** — key dates, events, parties, relationships
3. **Witness list** — names, contact info, relationship, expected testimony
4. **Documentary evidence** — medical records, photos, correspondence, reports
5. **Medical records** — providers, diagnoses, treatment history, causation opinions
6. **Damages** — itemized breakdown by category and time period

## Quick Start

1. Gather all required inputs above.
2. Draft each section below using numbered paragraphs throughout.
3. Tie every factual assertion to identified evidence — no unsupported claims.
4. Mark uncertain citations with `[VERIFY]`.
5. Review against the Pitfalls checklist before finalizing.

## Document Sections

### I. Introduction

| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Caption | Case name, number, forum/agency |
| Hearing date | Date and location |
| Submitting party | Name, role (plaintiff/claimant) |
| Nature of claim | Concise description of dispute |
| Legal basis | Statutes, regulations, or common law grounds |
| Relief sought | Specific remedy or damages requested |

### II. Statement of Facts

- Strict chronological order
- Identify all parties and relationships
- Every assertion tied to evidence to be presented
- Objective tone building factual foundation for legal position

### III. Issues for Determination

- Frame each disputed question as a precise issue statement
- Order logically for the hearing officer
- Distinguish legal questions from factual disputes

### IV. Witness Summary

Per witness:

| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Name | Full name |
| Contact | Address, phone |
| Relationship | Connection to case |
| Expected testimony | Key facts/opinions to establish |
| Purpose | How testimony supports position |

For **expert witnesses**, add: qualifications, expertise area, substance of opinions.

### V. Exhibit List

| Exhibit | Description | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C… | Document type | What it proves |

Organize chronologically or by category. Assign identification letters/numbers.

### VI. Medical Proof

- All treating/evaluating providers
- Diagnoses and treatment history
- Opinions on **causation** and **impairment/disability**
- Connect to applicable legal standards
- Persuasive but accurate tone favoring submitting party

### VII. Legal Argument

- Cite applicable statutes, regulations, case law
- Show how evidence satisfies each legal element
- Anticipate and rebut likely opposing arguments

### VIII. Damages / Relief Sought

- Itemize monetary damages by category (medical, lost wages, pain/suffering, etc.)
- Show calculation methodology and time periods
- For non-monetary relief, specify action requested and legal basis

### IX. Stipulations

- Facts agreed to by both parties
- Exhibits admitted without objection
- Any narrowing of issues

### X. Procedural History

- Prior hearings or proceedings
- Relevant discovery conducted
- **Never reference settlement discussions** (inadmissible)

## Pitfalls

- **Unsupported facts** — every assertion needs identified evidence; no speculation
- **Settlement references** — exclude all settlement communications per FRE 408 / state equivalents
- **Unverified citations** — tag with `[VERIFY]`; do not present uncertain authority as definitive
- **Local rule non-compliance** — incorporate jurisdiction-specific procedural requirements when known
- **Missing numbered paragraphs** — all sections must use numbered paragraphs for easy reference