10 Questions to Ask a Witness to
a Burn Injury Accident

Burn Injury cases in California

Burn injuries are some of the most devastating injuries there are, both emotionally and physically. If those injuries are the result of someone else’s actions, whether in a car accident, on the job or on someone’s property, it is crucial to take swift action to safeguard your rights. A witness statement is one of the most valuable weapons in a burn injury claim.

At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we understand how crucial those key witness details can be to your case and to making sure you receive the highest settlement you deserve. Whether you’re collecting evidence on your own or getting ready to meet with a lawyer, knowing what to ask a witness is key.

The following are the top 10 things to ask a burn injury accident witness in order to bolster your claim and edify your case strategy.

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10 Questions to Ask a Witness to a Burn Injury Accident

#1. Can you tell us exactly what you saw occurring?

Start with an open-ended question. Have the witness tell the whole story of what they saw before, during and after the burning. This story may identify negligence or hazardous conditions that may not be readily apparent.

#2. Where did the accident happen?

The location of the witness is all important. The perception of a person observing the incident is substantially different from someone experiencing it or simply hearing about what happened..

This gives their testimony credibility to establish their point of view. whether or not they had a clear, unobstructed view of what occurred that would help your attorney evaluate the credibility of their testimony and his/her case.

#3. When did this all go down?

It is important to have a specific timeline. If you cross-reference the time the accident happened with video evidence, medical records, or emergency responders’ reports, that’s a great way to corroborate your story and fill in any holes in the case presentation.

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#4. Anything unusual or dangerous happen prior to the Burn Injuiry?

Many burn accidents are preventable. Whether a chemical was leaking, the wiring was bad or the warning signs failed to adequately convey the danger, these details can lead straight to negligence or code violations, important facets for demonstrating liability.

#5. Was it clear whether anyone was culpable or negligent?

Ask the witness whether anyone a driver, a property owner or employer was reckless or ignored safety procedures. This observation that the individual or entity at-fault did not act in a manner that their duty of care required may support your contention.

#6. Did you find any one that said anything after the accident?

Immediate post-accident statements are often very revealing. If someone confessed to some wrongdoing, or apologized, or made any incriminating remarks, a witness who heard that can be a very big deal in negotiations or at trial.

#7. Did you capture photos or video of Burn Injury Incident?

And sometimes, visual evidence can be extremely beneficial to your case. If the witness has taken any photos or videos, your lawyer can use them to capture conditions, to illustrate the full scope of your damage, or to refute the at-fault party’s denials.

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#8. Did you talk to any of the emergency workers or officials?

A third-party witness who spoke with police, fire, or EMTs might give your claims more credibility. Your attorney also may be able to secure official reports that mention the witness by name.

#9. Are you prepared, if required, to make a formal statement or appear as a witness?

See if the witness is open to making a verbal or written statement, and, if necessary, may testify if your case goes to trial. During settlement negotiations or trial, having a cooperative and credible witness can make the difference for you.

#10. May I have your details for my lawyer?

Get their full name, phone number and email address, and ask if your legal team may follow up. Don’t trust memory alone write them down and keep them with the crucial documents where your lawyer can access them promptly.

Navigating the Legal Process

Burns are some of the most painful, complex personal injury cases. Recovery can turn into a lengthy process, and the system has its downfalls. But solid witness testimony at least makes your path to justice clearer.

At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, our burn injury attorneys have assisted a multitude of burn injury victims in winning six- and seven-figure settlements through the introduction of credible witness testimony and the creation of a strong legal plan.

If you or a family member is the victim of a burn injury due to the negligence of another, call us now. Schedule a free consultation today and allow us to help you get on the road to the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Your recovery matters. So does your case. Count on Beverly Hills Injury Firm to fight for them both.

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Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

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