If you are reading this, chances are that either you or someone you care about has been hurt by a dog. You may be feeling confused, scared, or unsure of what steps to take next. You are not alone. This can be a hard time for anyone. At our firm, we understand what you are going through and we want you to know that help is available. If you were bitten by a dog in North Carolina, there are important things you can do to protect your rights and make your case stronger. One of the most important things you can do is gather witness testimonies. These are the stories and memories of people who saw the dog bite happen or saw what happened right after. These stories can make a big difference in your case.
Why Witness Testimonies Are So Important
When someone gets bitten by a dog, they may need to go to the hospital. Medical records are helpful, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes it’s just your word against the dog owner’s. That’s why witness testimonies matter so much. A witness can back up your story. They can say where the dog was, how it acted, and what they saw you doing. This can help show that you were not at fault and that the dog owner should be held responsible. In many cases, a strong witness statement can be the key to getting money for your medical bills, lost time at work, pain, and more.
Who Can Be a Witness in a Dog Bite Case
A witness can be almost anyone who saw the dog bite or came right after and saw what happened. This can be a neighbor, someone walking by, a friend, a delivery driver, or even someone who lives in the area and knows the dog’s behavior. The person doesn’t have to know you. In fact, having a stranger speak up can sometimes help your case even more because they don’t have a reason to lie. What matters most is what they saw, what they remember, and whether they are willing to talk.
Michael Phillips
Attorney
Marcel McCrea
Attorney
Natalie Andruczyk
Attorney
Where to Look for Witnesses After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, you may be in pain or scared. If you are able, try to look around and see who is there. Did anyone stop to help you? Did someone yell at the dog or talk to the owner? Try to get their name and contact information. If you are not able to do this at the time, don’t worry. You can still find witnesses afterward. Go back to the place where the bite happened and ask around. Sometimes neighbors or workers nearby saw what happened. You can also check to see if there are any doorbell cameras or security cameras in the area. These may have recorded the bite or the moments before and after.
How to Talk to a Witness and What to Ask
When you talk to someone who may have seen the dog bite, be calm and polite. Let them know that you are trying to understand what happened and that their help could really matter. Ask them what they saw and what they remember. Did they see the dog before it bit you? Did the dog run loose often? Did they see you do anything to upset the dog, or were you just walking or standing still? Did the dog owner try to stop the dog? Ask if they would be willing to write down what they saw or talk to your lawyer. Some people may feel nervous, but it helps to let them know that their words can make a real difference in your healing and your case.
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What Makes a Witness Statement Strong
The best witness statements are clear, honest, and detailed. A strong witness will explain what they saw in simple words. They will talk about where they were, what they were doing, what the dog did, and how you reacted. It helps if the witness does not change their story later. That is why it’s a good idea to have them write it down soon after the bite happened, while it’s still fresh in their mind. If possible, you or your lawyer can ask the witness to sign a written statement or give a recorded one. The more specific and reliable the witness is, the better it will help your case.
When the Witness Doesn’t Want to Help
Sometimes, a witness may not want to get involved. They may be afraid of the dog’s owner, or they may think it’s not their business. While we understand that people have their own reasons, it is still okay to ask politely. Let them know that all you want is the truth. You can also let your lawyer handle it. A lawyer can reach out to the person and explain the importance of their words in a respectful way. In some cases, a court can ask someone to speak if they saw something important. But many times, a simple, kind request is all it takes.
Other Things That Can Support Your Witness Testimonies
Along with witness statements, it helps to collect other pieces of information. Take pictures of your wounds as soon as you can. If your clothes were torn or bloody, keep them as they were. Write down what happened in your own words, too. This will help you remember later. If there is a police report or an animal control report, that can also back up what the witness says. All of this can work together to show that the dog owner was careless or that the dog was dangerous and should have been kept on a leash or behind a fence.
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Why Timing Matters When Gathering Witnesses
The sooner you look for witnesses, the better. People forget things over time. They may move away, change their phone numbers, or simply forget details. Right after a bite, the memory is fresh, and they may feel more ready to help. If too much time passes, their help may not be as strong. This is why it’s best to start looking for witnesses within the first few days after the dog bite. If you are hurt or in the hospital, someone else can help you, or your lawyer can do it for you.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Gather Witnesses
You don’t have to do all of this alone. A lawyer knows how to talk to witnesses and how to ask the right questions. We can find people you may not know about, reach out to them, and make sure their words are used the right way in your case. We can also protect your rights and make sure that everything is fair. When you are trying to heal, it helps to have someone else handle the hard parts of the case. That way, you can focus on getting better.
You Deserve to Feel Safe and Heard
Getting bitten by a dog is painful and scary. It can make you feel like you don’t matter or that people won’t believe you. But your story is important, and so is your safety. Witnesses can help you tell your story and show that what happened to you was wrong. You have the right to ask for help and to seek justice. That includes getting the money you need to heal and move forward.
If you or someone you love has been hurt by a dog in North Carolina, don’t wait. Talk to someone who can help you find the witnesses, gather the facts, and build a strong case. At Phillips & McCrea, PLLC, we understand how scary and confusing this can be. We are here to listen, to guide you, and to help you get the outcome you deserve. Reach out to us today and let us help you take the next step.