If you got hurt due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, you may have a valid premises liability claim against the property owner. You might be wondering whether a surveillance camera may have captured the incident. But can surveillance camera footage help your premises liability case, or is there the possibility it could backfire on you?
How Surveillance Cameras Are Commonly Used in Slip-and-Fall Cases
If there’s surveillance footage of a slip-and-fall or other accident, it could play a central role in a resulting premises liability claim. Many businesses and property owners use cameras to monitor entrances, aisles, walkways, and parking areas. When an incident occurs, a recording may show the hazard, how long it was present, whether employees were nearby, and how the fall happened.
In slip-and-fall cases, attorneys and insurance companies will review this video closely. It can help them assess liability, identify any contributing factors, and determine whether the property owner took reasonable steps to address unsafe conditions.
How Video Footage Can Strengthen Your Premises Liability Claim
Surveillance footage may provide clear, objective evidence supporting your version of events. While witness statements may be incomplete or inconsistent, surveillance recordings can show exactly what happened before, during, and after a fall. That type of evidence can help establish fault and counter arguments from the property owner or their insurer.
For example, the video recording may show:
- A spill or hazard existed and remained unaddressed for an extended period
- Employees walking past a dangerous condition without taking action to address it
- Poor lighting or obstructed walkways contributed to the fall
- The immediate impact of the fall and the severity of the incident
When Surveillance Evidence Can Hurt Your Slip-and-Fall Injury Case
Unfortunately, it is possible for surveillance footage to work against your favor. If the footage appears inconsistent with your account, it could raise questions about your credibility or the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies may use the video to challenge your personal injury claim or reduce how much they are willing to pay.
Unhelpful video evidence may show:
- You appeared distracted at the time of the fall
- Warning signs or cones are placed near the hazard
- Actions that suggest the accident was avoidable
- Your injuries after the fall seem less severe than reported
What Are Premises Liability Claims in South Carolina?
Premises liability is the legal principle that South Carolina property owners have a responsibility to care for their properties and promptly address hazardous conditions, as well as to alert visitors to hazards they have not yet addressed. A person who suffers an injury due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property may be entitled to file a premises liability claim against the property owner or a third party who was responsible for the property’s care and maintenance.
Protect Your Rights Before Insurance Companies Use Video Against You
Did you suffer injuries in an accident on someone else’s property? Our experienced South Carolina premises liability accident attorneys can prepare an injury claim on your behalf while you focus on healing.
Contact the team at Jebaily Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options with a skilled personal injury lawyer.
