What is a witness statement? And why are they needed for medical negligence claims?

What is a witness statement?

A witness statement provides the court with written evidence of the claim you and your legal team are bringing. Put simply, it is you sharing the facts of what happened to you.

All parties involved will be required to provide their statements and version of events. A witness statement is a crucial piece of evidence that will be referred to and relied upon if the case is not settled and goes to trial.

How to write a witness statement

First and foremost, your witness statement is your version of events. The first step will be to go through your recollection of all relevant facts and events you have been involved with. Writing these in chronological order will help provide a clearer understanding of what happened to you.

Your statement must be in your own words, and you must understand what you have submitted in the statement, making it an accurate reflection of your recollection.

The Court also provides additional guidance and a template for preparing witness statements to ensure you know what to include. Typically, your statement will look like the following by the time it is presented to a court:

• The name of the case and the claim number;
• The full name and address of the witness;
• Set out the witness’s evidence clearly in numbered paragraphs on numbered pages;
• End with this paragraph: 'I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.’
• Signed by the witness and dated.

When dealing with a medial negligence claim, it can often be difficult to remember all the details of what took place, especially if it happened over a number of years. Collecting several witness statements can help build a clearer picture of what took place, which will help in building your case.

Leading medical negligence solicitors

Our expert medical negligence team offer dedicated and specialist advice to guarantee you receive the rehabilitation, support, and compensation you deserve. Medical negligence cases can be complex, and it is imperative to have an expert solicitor by your side to guide you through your claim. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, we are here to help.

Call us on 0330 107 4995 or contact us online and we’ll call you.