Types of Witnesses You May Need to Win Your Dog Bite Case

Under Virginia’s dog bite laws, you must prove that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog was vicious or was negligent in controlling their dog when you were bitten. You will also need to show the seriousness of your injuries and the amount of compensation you should receive in your settlement. Witnesses can play a vital role in helping you prove your case.

Types of Witnesses That Can Help in a Dog Bite Case

You will need to collect evidence to prove your right to compensation for your injuries and convince the dog owner’s insurance company to offer you a fair settlement. One way to do this is through the use of witness testimony. Types of witnesses you may need include:

• Eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses can corroborate how your dog attack occurred. This can help you prove that the owner was negligent in causing your dog bite. If the insurance company claims you provoked the attack, their statements can be used to refute this argument.
• Dog experts. You may need to hire a dog expert, such as a veterinarian, breeder, or animal control officer, as an expert witness. They can establish the viciousness of the breed of dog that bit you. They may also be able to testify how the dog owner’s care of the dog encouraged the animal to attack others or how they failed to properly restrain their dog when you were attacked.
• Medical experts. You will need a doctor to explain the seriousness of your injuries, the medical treatments you need, and whether you will be able to fully recover from your injuries.
• Economist and vocational expert. If your injuries limit the types of jobs you can perform or make it impossible for you to work anymore, you may need a vocational expert to establish this. An economist may be needed to prove the amount of future lost earning capacity and other damages you deserve.
• Family and friends. Your family and friends can be valuable witnesses who can testify about the pain and suffering you experienced due to your dog bite injuries and how your quality of life has changed. This can help you show that you deserve more compensation for pain and suffering in your settlement.

Let Us Help You Find the Right Witnesses for Your Case

It can be difficult to know what type of witnesses you need and to negotiate your settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company on your own. An experienced premises liability lawyer can collect the evidence you need, obtain necessary witness statements, and negotiate your settlement with the insurance adjuster. To find out about our track record of success in dog bite cases and how we can assist you, contact our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation today.