When you are injured on someone else’s property, our Atlanta, GA premises liability lawyer knows that one of the first questions is how to prove what happened. In many cases, security cameras, whether at a restaurant, a grocery store, or a motel, play a key role in premises liability claims. Video footage can provide a clear record of the events, helping to either support your claim or defend against allegations. Because property owners and businesses often rely on cameras for safety, that footage can become an important piece of evidence in a legal case. When you work with us, we advance all expenses and are paid through the total you would recover, so you don’t have the additional stress of how to get quality legal representation.
How Security Footage Can Support A Claim
If you were hurt due to unsafe conditions, video evidence can help show the cause of the incident. For example, footage may capture a spill on the floor that was left unattended or a broken step that had not been repaired. It can also show how long the hazard was present before the accident happened, which may demonstrate whether the property owner should have addressed it sooner. Video can also confirm the timing of the incident, the location, and who was involved.
Another way security cameras help is by showing the extent of injuries right after the accident. Even if your medical records detail your physical harm, seeing the fall or collision on video can make the claim more concrete. This can also reduce disputes about whether your injuries actually happened on the property in question.
How Cameras Can Support A Defense
Security footage is not just useful for injured parties. Property owners may also rely on video recordings to defend themselves. If someone makes a claim, footage may show that the area was regularly inspected or that employees addressed a hazard quickly. It might also reveal that the injured person was acting in an unsafe way, such as running in a store aisle or ignoring warning signs.
Cameras can also establish whether the injured person was allowed to be on the property in the first place. If the person was trespassing or entered a restricted area, the footage could significantly affect liability.
Challenges With Camera Evidence
While cameras can be powerful, there are challenges. Sometimes footage is unclear or does not capture the incident directly. In other cases, the video may be deleted or overwritten before it can be preserved. That is why it is important to act quickly if you believe camera evidence could help your claim. Sending a written request to preserve footage can prevent it from being lost.
Another consideration is that footage often needs to be obtained through legal channels. Property owners may not always hand it over voluntarily, which can lead to disputes about access.
Taking Action After An Incident
If you are involved in a premises liability incident, one of the first steps is to find out whether cameras may have captured what happened. Acting quickly gives you a better chance of securing that evidence before it disappears. At Deitch + Rogers, we have over 40 years of experience and we help clients address these situations and build strong claims. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, reach out today to discuss your case and your options.