Chances Are Good a Camera Caught Your Injury

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By Alex Stalvey

If you’ve been injured in a slip or fall somewhere public, like a store, restaurant, or other commercial property, you may wonder what proof is needed to hold someone accountable. That’s a fair question — and one we hear from clients regularly.

The answer often lies in digital evidence. And these days, that evidence is everywhere.

Surveillance is Standard

Chances are good you’ve seen video and photo footage in your Facebook and Nextdoor feed of neighbors posting Ring camera footage of suspicious behavior. That goes to show how we live in a surveillance state.

The same goes for most businesses, which are covered wall to wall with surveillance cameras. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 93 percent of retailers use video monitoring systems. These cameras aren’t just there to stop theft—they capture day-to-day activity, including safety hazards and injuries.

If your fall happened in a store, parking lot, apartment complex, a park, or other commercial space, there’s a good chance the incident — or the conditions leading up to it — were caught on camera.

Surveillance footage can clearly show:

  • Whether there was a hazard (wet floor, debris, poor lighting)
  • How long was it there
  • Whether anyone tried to address it
  • How were you affected by it

That kind of evidence strengthens a case quickly, especially when property owners try to deny or downplay fault.

Timing Is Critical

Here’s where most people run into trouble: digital evidence doesn’t last long.

Many security systems automatically delete or overwrite footage every seven to 30 days. Smart security systems and electronic maintenance records are often tied to apps or cloud platforms that cycle data on a routine basis.

If someone doesn’t take legal steps to preserve that information, it can disappear before your case starts.

This is one of the first things we handle for our clients. We send a spoliation letter — a legal notice requiring the property owner or manager to preserve all relevant digital records. This includes:

  • Video footage from the time and location of your injury
  • Electronic inspection logs
  • Digital cleaning or maintenance checklists
  • Employee notes or app-based service records

It may seem like a small step, but it can be the difference between a dismissed case and one that wins a settlement or verdict.

The Right Legal Help Makes a Difference

Slip-and-fall injuries can be painful, disruptive, and expensive. The last thing you need is to lose your ability to claim because of missing or deleted evidence.

Our team acts quickly to secure and analyze all available digital documentation. We understand what proof matters — and how to get it before it’s gone.

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, don’t wait. The longer you go without legal support, the greater the risk of losing critical evidence. We are here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Contact us immediately to get your case moving quickly.

Why Choose Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey Law Firm?

With the experience to address complex family law, criminal defense, and real estate matters, our knowledgeable team of attorneys are here to advocate for you. We operate our law offices on three main principles:

trust

Trust.

We strive to establish personal trust with each and every client.
integrity

Integrity

We operate with the utmost integrity when dealing with clients and the legal community.
excellence

Excellence

We commit to excellence in all aspects of the legal profession.
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Get in touch with us today to evaluate your case. We’re only a call, click, or short drive away.

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