Slip and fall accidents often happen unexpectedly and lead to painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and time away from work and loved ones. When someone is injured on another person’s property, proving what caused the accident is crucial to pursuing compensation. One of the most effective types of evidence in slip and fall cases is surveillance footage. Continue reading for more information and secure the help of an experienced Sussex County slip and fall lawyer today.
What is Considered Surveillance Footage?
Any camera that captures video can be considered surveillance footage when it comes to a slip and fall case. Pertinent footage may come from security cameras, doorbell cameras, dash cams, closed-circuit television (CCTV), neighboring businesses, and more. Any device that records video of the area where you fell can be useful evidence.
How Can Surveillance Footage Impact a Slip and Fall Case in NJ?
The use of surveillance footage as evidence in a slip and fall case can prove the property owner’s negligence, disprove false claims, strengthen your credibility, and affect settlement negotiations.
The footage could show the dangerous condition that caused your fall, as well as how long it existed. This can establish that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take prompt action to fix it or warn others, providing evidence of the owner’s negligence.
The video can also show what you were doing in the moments before the accident. It could show that you were walking carefully, you were not distracted, and that you did not cause the fall on your own. Videos that support your version of events can increase your credibility and strengthen your case.
You could also walk away with higher or more accurate compensation if you have video proof of the incident. Insurance companies often settle faster and for higher amounts when there is indisputable video evidence that strongly supports the other party’s liability. You can use the footage to counter any attempts to deny your claim or reduce your settlement.
Can These Videos Be Used Against Me?
It’s important to note that the surveillance footage can be used against you depending on the reality of what occurred. If the video shows evidence that you were distracted, ignored warning signs, or are exaggerating your injuries, it could be used to weaken your credibility or reduce your claim.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Even if the surveillance footage shows that you were somewhat responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages. New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws allow multiple parties to be assigned a portion of the blame in an accident. As long as you are not more at fault than the other party, you can still pursue damages. However, the compensation you are entitled to will be reduced.
For more information, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney today.
