Top 10 Questions to Ask a Wrongful Death Witness

Wrongful Death Cases in California

For your family’s sake, start their fight for justice the right way
Wrongful death claims are some of the most emotionally trying and legally complicated types of personal injury actions. Witness testimony as a mighty weapon When your loved one is gone but a memory, killed because someone was careless or negligent, one of your most potent weapons with which to seek damages is an eyewitness.

Whether his or her death resulted from an automobile accident, medical malpractice, hazardous conditions on a job site, a defective product, violent crime or other type of wrongful act, obtaining clear and detailed statements from witnesses can be a tremendous asset to you and may help your chance of maximizing your settlement!

At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we understand that time is of the essence. Here we offer information for the 10 best questions to ask a witness to the wrongful death so that you can be well-prepared to approach your lawyer with the best possible position. below is a list of the top 10 questions to ask a wrongful death witness.

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#2.Where Were You When the Incident Occurred?

It is pivotal to understand: a) the proximity of the witness; and b) the vantage point.

A credible witness would have had an unobstructed view of it. Also, their physical presence will factor into whether their testimony can prevail in court or settlement negotiations.

#3. Were There Any Dangerous Conditions or Conduct You Witnessed?

Inquire whether the witness observed any dangerous driving, defective/deficient equipment, medical malpractice, an assaultive act, or policy violations that may have precipitated the fatal event. This distinction reveals possible dereliction on the part of persons or entities.

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#4. Were there any signs that the victim was in pain?

This question might indicate whether the decedent was aware of danger, tried to get help or was refused care. It also has potential to help document pre-death suffering or pain, which might relate to the determination of damages.

#5. Did you Hear any Conversations or Unusual Noises?

In many cases, what was heard provides the key to understanding the incident. Inquire whether the witness heard any arguments, cries for help, threats, or alarm bells. Audio proof can verify the mood, guilt or incompetence of the persons involved.

#6. Did Anyone ATTEMPT TO RENDER ASSISTANCE?

This is important to establish in case there was an alleged failure to help, which could have legal significance. If a bystander, a worker or a medical professional ignored a victim, delayed responding or did not adhere to emergency protocols, it could suggest who is liable.

#7. Was an Surveillance, video or Photos taken?

Today, public places and most businesses have surveillance cameras or the ability to capture cell phone footage. Inquire if the witness observed any devices in the vicinity or took any photos or video themselves. This can be crucial in establishing what actually occurred.

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#8. Did You Talk to Any Other Witnesses of the Incident?

Other witnesses can fortify your case with supporting evidence. Inquire whether the witness spoke with anyone who may also want to share anything they saw. If your legal team can gather more consistent accounts, the better.

#9. WAS THERE ANY DISCUSSION AFTER THIS INCIDENT?

Witnesses also may remember admissions of guilt, apologizing, efforts to run away, or erratic behavior from the person who caused the accident. Second, those facts can help you support your allegation and can be successful in revealing efforts to cover up any wrongdoing.

#10. Can I Get Your Complete Contact Information?

Obtain the witness’s full name, telephone number, email address, and home address, if applicable. Your lawyer will want to talk to them to take an official statement, a deposition, a courtroom testimony. Open and clear communication is key.

Navigating the Legal Process

This is Why Eyewitness Testimony is Important in Wrongful Death Cases

In a wrongful death litigation eyewitness testimony is critical in establishing liability, verifying timelines, as well as proving damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and mental anguish.

They can also refute false narratives from insurance companies or corporate defendants that might try to downplay their liability. In these cases, which are often close calls for the life of the victim, the strength and consistency of witness testimony can be the difference between a denial of claim and a life changing settlement for the surviving family.

What to do after a wrongful death occurs

Call the police and get all their documentation.

Get the names and contact details of all witnesses.

Snap pictures of and retain any evidence.

Never talk to the insurance adjusters with out your lawyer present.

Reach out to Beverly Hills Injury Attorneys for a free legal consultation.

At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we take wrongful death cases very seriously. Though no amount of money or words can bring back someone who died too young, seeking justice for negligent parties is an important step toward healing.
Our Group of Attorneys is seasoned in litigating high-value wrongful death cases arising out of the following causes;

- - - - Deadly car, truck and motorcycle crashes
      - Defective products and machinery
      - Medical negligence and hospital errors
      - Workplace fatalities
      - Nursing home abuse or neglect
      - Dangerous property conditions

We go to the mat for you, fighting aggressively to ensure you get everything you deserve, and not a penny less, and we don’t get paid until you do.
Get in touch with Beverly Hills Injury Firm today for a free consultation if you’ve lost someone because of someone else’s carelessness. Let us litigate your justice while you heal.

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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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