1. You can’t just ignore it-
2. The common types of discovery requests you can expect and why they are important.
Interrogatories are the most common requests. These are written questions about your case and things that are involved in your case. (If irrelevant questions are asked, your attorney will object to them). Along with Interrogatories, you may be given Requests for Production, in which you must produce documents and other things (for example, digital files or photographs). Depositions are another common type of discovery, but are not used in every case due to the time and expense involved.
These methods of discovery are important because they allow the sharing of information among the parties. This information sharing helps the attorneys plan the case, allows each party to get information to which s/he is entitled and might not be voluntarily given, and helps conserve time in court.
3. What will happen if you just ignore the requests?
You may lose your case! You may be given sanctions by the court (for example, the judge may order you to pay some attorney fees to your opponent, may “strike” part of your pleadings, negatively affecting your case, or your case could be thrown out altogether.