In New York, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent accidents. Failure to do so often results in serious bodily injury. If you have recently been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, negligence must first be proven. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is surveillance footage as it can provide an objective account of what happened. Please continue reading to learn how surveillance footage can influence the outcome of your case and how an experienced Bronx Premises Liability Lawyer can help you understand your rights.
How Can Surveillance Footage Influence the Outcome of My Slip and Fall Case?
One of the most challenging aspects of a slip and fall claim is proving that the property owner was negligent. Surveillance footage can reveal the hazardous condition that caused the accident and the time span a hazard was present before the accident, indicating the owner’s awareness or lack thereof. Without evidence, the negligent party can dispute your version of events. Surveillance footage is hard to deny or argue against as it provides an objective account of what happened.
In addition to clarifying the sequence of events, surveillance footage can also corroborate the severity of your injuries. In some cases, the extent of the injuries reported is called into question. When this is the case, video footage can show you were unable to get up without assistance or had to be taken away in an ambulance, demonstrating the impact of your injuries. This evidence is particularly important if the property owner tries to dispute the severity of your injuries or claims you are exaggerating your claim.
How Do I Obtain the Video Footage of My Slip and Fall Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, video evidence can from from a few different sources. While you can ask witnesses for any video footage they may have captured, a property owner is unlikely to voluntarily hand it over as it can be damaging to their case.
Following a slip and fall accident, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of a seasoned Bronx premises liability lawyer as they can start the ball rolling to get the tape of the incident. First, they will send a spoliation letter that demands that the property owner does not destroy, hide, or taper with any relevant evidence, including surveillance footage. This legal document ensures evidence is preserved. It’s important to understand that some surveillance cameras only save footage for a certain period before it’s deleted. As such, you must act promptly when pursuing this evidence.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a qualified lawyer Bronx premises liability lawyer who can help you obtain all relevant evidence, including video proof. At James Newman, P.C., we are prepared to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can assist you during these tough times.
