Unsurprisingly, the surveillance footage of your accident can be valuable evidence in a slip and fall case. If there is a way to secure this footage, that should be a top priority if you were hurt and plan to seek compensation. An experienced Washington, D.C. supermarket accident lawyer from our firm can help you gather useful evidence like this and build a strong case.
Can Surveillance Footage Make a Difference in My Case?
It can make an enormous difference in your case. The surveillance footage can show things like:
- When the accident happened
- How long the property owner went without addressing the hazard that caused you harm
- How serious your initial injuries were
- What you were doing at the time of the accident
In many cases like this, a property owner might try to claim that the victim did something wrong. There was a sign about the hazard, but you didn’t see it. You were harmed before anyone had a chance to address the hazard. You were too busy looking at your phone to prioritize your own safety. The surveillance footage can easily refute any of these arguments and make it clear who the negligent party was.
How Can I Get Surveillance Footage?
You should be able to request the surveillance footage after you get injured. A lawyer can also request it for you. It’s usually recommended to get additional footage aside from the few minutes covering your accident. It’s especially useful to have footage from an hour or half-hour before your fall. If you can show that the hazard was sitting there unaddressed for so much time, that’s valuable to your case.
What Else Should I Do After a Slip and Fall?
You should also take some other steps to protect yourself and build your case in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident. We recommend:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene and hazard
- Not making any statements that could be perceived as you admitting fault
- Getting a copy of the store incident report
- Receiving medical care as soon as possible
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
It is unlikely but possible. Many personal injury cases are settled before reaching the trial stage. Most insurers do not want to deal with the cost and time investment a trial necessitates. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will help you build a case that can succeed in front of a judge and jury. We are ready to advocate for you in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
Schedule a Consultation Today
We are ready to help you pursue compensation and hold any negligent parties accountable. So contact Trombly & Singer to schedule your case consultation. Let’s get to work.
