The Importance of Video Surveillance Footage in Tampa Slip-and-Fall Lawsuits
Picture this: You’re walking down the aisle of a grocery store when suddenly you slip on a spilled carton of milk. No one saw you fall – and a staff member quickly cleans up the mess after you’re gone. How do you prove that you slipped on a spill? The answer is almost always video surveillance. Gain access to this crucial piece of evidence, and you can clearly establish negligence. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer in Tampa can help you gather compelling evidence, including video surveillance footage.
Why Is Surveillance Footage Importance in Slip-and-Fall Cases?
Surveillance footage is important in slip-and-fall cases for various reasons. First, it helps establish that you were not to blame for your own fall. Let’s assume that a worker quickly cleaned up the spill after first responders put you on a stretcher and transported you to the nearest hospital. When you try to file a claim, the property owner might try to argue that you slipped on your own shoelaces. Surveillance footage can clearly show that this was not the case.
Video footage can also show how long a spill (or any other hazard) went unaddressed. An important concept in slip-and-fall cases is awareness. More specifically, it is important to establish whether staff members should have been aware of the spill before you slipped. If a spill sat on the floor for more than 15 minutes, you can probably establish that this represents negligence. Then footage may also show how the spill occurred. For example, the spilled items might have been teetering precariously on defective display. These details can further support allegations of negligence.
How Do I Gain Access to Video Surveillance Footage?
You can gain access to video surveillance footage through a formal legal process called “discovery.” During the pre-trial discovery phase, both parties have the right to request important information and documents from each other. Video surveillance footage certainly falls into this category, and the defendants must provide this footage to you. Your lawyers can file formal requests to gain access to this footage.
You might also get a little more creative in finding relevant footage. For example, a witness might have captured the entire accident on their phone. Your lawyers can track down these individuals and gain access to the footage in question. With all that said, each case is different – and the right strategy depends entirely on your unique circumstances.
Should I Work With a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Tampa?
You might want to work with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer in Tampa, especially if you’re struggling to locate evidence that proves negligence. Even if you have plenty of witnesses, it makes sense to hire a lawyer if you’re serious about pursuing real compensation. These legal professionals can make sure you walk away with everything you need to cover medical expenses, missed earnings, and other damages. Contact Anderson & Anderson today to learn more.
Sources:
youtube.com/watch?v=UPm42xqIy_U
vt.com/blog/check-out-how-grocery-store-retailers-add-layers-of-security
