If you want to successfully sue for damages after a slip and fall accident, gathering evidence is key. One of the most valuable pieces of evidence in a case like this is usually surveillance footage. If there is a video of what happened to you, it can be used to refute arguments from the defendant and back up your own accusations of negligence. A Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer can help you secure this evidence and build a more compelling case for compensation.
Is Surveillance Footage Valuable Evidence?
If the surveillance footage is clear and shot from the right angle, it can make it clear how your slip and fall accident happened and who should be to blame. The video can show that:
- The hazard that caused you to slip and fall was left unattended for a long time
- There was no warning near the hazard
- You were not distracted or engaged in dangerous behavior
- You had serious injuries from your fall
A defendant can make all kinds of claims to avoid responsibility or try to blame the plaintiff for their own injuries. Surveillance footage can counter their claims and enhance your own arguments.
How Can I Get Surveillance Footage?
The establishment where you got injured can be asked to preserve the footage of your accident and some time before and after it. Having the footage from before you fell can be useful because it can show how long a hazard was sitting there, unaddressed.
Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Surveillance Footage?
If a store or business does not cooperate, a lawyer can help you secure surveillance footage. Most businesses do not keep this footage for a long time. You could have just a few days or even as few as 24 hours to act and try to secure the video of your accident. This is why contacting a lawyer right away is advised.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win in a Slip and Fall Case?
If you can build a convincing case, you can successfully sue for all types of damages. You could receive compensation that makes up for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
- Property damages, if any valuable possessions were damaged in the fall
You may even be able to push for punitive damages if the behavior of the defendant was particularly egregious and something that the court would want to discourage in the future. Different states have different rules about these types of damages, but our lawyers can help you learn more about them and if they could be on the table in your case.
Meet With Our Legal Team
When you are ready to pursue legal action, you don’t have to build a personal injury case on your own. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. and ask about our free case consultations. We’re here to help you and tell you more about your legal options.
