Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury, often occurring in retail stores, parking lots, apartment complexes, and public areas. Victims can face serious consequences, including injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery times. One of the most valuable forms of evidence in a slip and fall case is surveillance footage, which can clearly show what happened and who was at fault. Continue reading for more information and to discover how a skilled slip & fall lawyer at Manuel & Thompson can help.
How Can Surveillance Footage Benefit My FL Slip and Fall Case?
Surveillance footage provides objective proof of how the fall occurred, showing exactly what led to the hazard and how long it was present before the accident. These videos can confirm whether the property or business owner failed to take reasonable care, which can establish their negligence.
Important information that surveillance footage can reveal, which will benefit your case, includes:
- How long the hazard existed before you fell
- Whether the owner or employees ignored the danger or failed to rectify the issue
- A lack of warning signs, poor lighting, or uneven flooring
- Your actions and behavior before the fall, which can confirm that you were acting reasonably
Under Florida law, a property owner can be liable for an injury if they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and did not take prompt action to fix the issue or warn visitors of the hazard. Surveillance videos can establish this fact and help you win your case.
Can Video Footage Ever Hurt My Claim?
It is possible that the surveillance video will harm your case instead of helping, especially if the footage reveals information that is unfavorable to your claim. For example, if the footage shows that you were distracted, ignored warning signs, behaved recklessly, or entered a closed or restricted area, it could weaken your credibility or show that you were partially responsible for your accident.
However, even if you are found somewhat liable, you can still recover compensation under Florida’s comparative negligence system. In FL, you can recover damages for an injury as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the harm. It is important to note that the compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by your percentage of liability.
How Can I Get a Copy of Surveillance Footage After My Fall?
It is important to act fast when attempting to obtain a copy of surveillance footage, as most systems do not store footage for long periods of time. Depending on the company or cameras used, footage could last for only a few short days, several weeks, or even months. It is important that you do not risk the video being deleted.
Most entities require a formal request for surveillance footage. Your attorney can submit a preservation request or file a subpoena for the data if you have initiated a claim or lawsuit. Businesses are not required to hand over footage without a formal discovery request, so it is important that you take proper steps to protect the footage and your right to recover a copy. Reach out to a skilled lawyer for more information and legal advice today.
