Top 10 Questions to Ask Dog Bite Injury Witness

Dog Bite Injuries in California

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, eyewitness testimony can be crucial in developing a successful personal injury case. Commonly dog owners deny or minimize the incident. A credible third-party witness can also help confirm what actually transpired strengthening your claim and offering your attorney the best opportunity to negotiate top-tier compensation.

At Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we know firsthand the impact that witness statements can provide when it comes to pursuing negligent pet owners. So you’re fully prepared when you do speak to an attorney, here are the Top 10 Questions to Ask a Dog Bite Injury Witness.

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#2. Did You Note What Was the Dog Doing Just Before It Bit?

It answers the question of what was the dog’s behavior before the attack? Was the dog agitated? Barking aggressively? Lunging? This can tell prosecutors if the bite was caused by a sudden, violent act, or just a piece of an ongoing performance issue.

#3. What was the Dog's Owner doing at the time?

The owner's conduct is critical. Was the owner inattentive, careless or in violation of leash laws? Did they try to get the animal under control or to have it subdued? A witness that saw a lack of care on behalf of the owner can be very helpful in your case.

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#4. Was the Dog Tied Up or Fenced In?

This inquiry is relevant in assessing whether there were any breaches of local leash ordinances or containment laws. If the dog was loose, the owner can be strictly liable for your injuries.

#5. Have You Witnessed This Dog Being Aggressive in the Past?

Was the owner hollering at the dog to stop, or giving commands such as “stay” or “no” This can demonstrate the owner knew the dog was a threat, yet failed to manage the situation.

#6. Was anyone cited at the scene?

An off the cuff remark from the dog owner who is blamed for the indident such as “It's ok, he's friendly” or “It's your fault, you scared him!” can have legal weight.

If a witness heard that, it can be really good evidence for you whether you’re in litigation or settlement proceedings.

#7. Could You See Any Injuries

Even if you have medical records, it’s helpful to have independent confirmation of physical harm. Description by a witness of observable bleeding, a tear in clothing, or anguish provides your attorney and the court with a picture of the trauma.

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#8. Did You Tell Anybody Else About What You Saw?

Other people may have witnessed the incident or spoken with the witness about it. This can help your attorney locate additional witnesses and develop a stronger case with testimony that matches up.

#9. May I Have Your Complete Name and Contact Number?

This is step number 1. Be sure to collect:

Full name
Phone number
Email address
Home address (if available)

Without contact information, your lawyer will not be able to contact the witness to obtain a statement or to testify, as appropriate. Ensure you preserve it safely and make it known to your attorneys as soon as you can.

#10. Did You Stay at the Scene and Contact Police or First Responders?

Inquire if the witness gave a statement to the police. If so, then your lawyer can subpoena them or otherwise demand their official version at a later time. Also it gives weight to their testimony in a courtroom.

Navigating the Legal Process

Why Dog Bite Injury Claims are All about Witness Testimony

Dog-bite cases usually boil down to your word against the owner’s. The world is controlled by insurance companies and they will jump at any opportunity to deny or minimize your claim. That’s why statements from third-party witnesses are so valuable , they corroborate your version of events. Solid witness testimony can:

Confirm the dog’s aggressive behavior
Highlight negligence by the owner
Verify visible injuries
Support emotional trauma claims
Prove the necessity for medical attention

The more believable and comprehensive the witness’s testimony, the better your chances of a positive settlement in negotiations or trial. Preparing for Your Free Legal Consultation If you have been bitten by a dog, your initial moves should be to seek medical attention and report the incident to animal control. But remember to get information from witnesses, too. Good and accurate details of who knows what is a real help to your lawyer.

Here at Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we have focused our careers on assisting dog bite victims to receive justice as well as being compensated fairly. We know what it takes to get negligent pet owners the justice they deserve, and it begins with clear, documented evidence just like this.

Were You Hurt in a Dog Attack? Time is critical. The earlier you contact a skilled lawyer, the more likely you are to receive the compensation that is due to you. Contact Beverly Hills Injury Firm to schedule a free consultation.
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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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