After a serious slip, trip, or fall inside a store, one of the most important pieces of evidence that can support your premises liability claim is video footage. Surveillance video from inside the store or exterior security camera footage may help prove your case. If you’re injured in a retail location in Pompano Beach or Fort Lauderdale, understanding your rights and the process of securing video footage is crucial. At G. Reynolds Legal, PLLC, our Pompano Beach premises liability lawyers guide clients through this process to build strong, evidence-backed premises liability claims.
Why Video Footage Matters in Premises Liability Cases
In premises liability claims, you must prove that the property owner, manager, or responsible party failed to maintain a safe environment. Video surveillance can clearly show what happened, including:
- The hazard that caused your injury such as a wet floor or broken tile
- How long the hazard was present before your fall
- Employee actions before and after the incident
- If any warning signs were visible in the area
- Your own movements leading up to and during the accident
This type of footage provides objective evidence that supports your version of events. However, stores are not required to hand it over voluntarily. Many businesses will not release video unless they receive a formal legal request.
Step 1: Report the Incident Immediately
If you are injured in a store, notify a manager or supervisor right away. Ask for a written report and keep a copy. While still at the scene, take photos of any hazardous conditions. A documented report helps establish a timeline and puts the store on notice that video footage may be relevant.
Step 2: Request the Video Footage Promptly
Most surveillance systems only store footage for a limited time, often between 24 to 72 hours. Request the footage as soon as possible. You may start with an informal request, but submitting it in writing is more effective and trackable.
Your written request should include:
- Date and time of the incident
- Brief description of what occurred
- A specific request that any available video footage be preserved and provided
Sending the request by email or certified mail creates a paper trail and proves you took timely action to secure the evidence.
Step 3: Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer to Send a Legal Notice
If the business does not respond or refuses to share the footage, a lawyer can intervene. At G. Reynolds Legal, PLLC, we assist clients by sending a formal preservation letter. This legal notice instructs the store to preserve all relevant video of the accident scene.
Florida law permits courts to hold businesses accountable if they ignore a preservation request. If footage is deleted afterward, the court may allow a jury to assume the video supported your claim. Preserving the footage early gives you a better chance of using it to support your case.
Can the Store Refuse to Give You the Footage?
Yes. Under Florida law, a business is not obligated to release video footage unless it is required during a legal process. That is why hiring a premises liability lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach is so important. Your attorney can obtain the footage through a subpoena or a formal discovery request once a lawsuit is filed.
Even if you cannot access the footage right away, ensuring it is preserved helps protect your rights when the time comes to litigate.
What If the Store Deletes the Footage?
If the store deletes the video after receiving your request, this may be considered spoliation of evidence. The court could allow a jury to infer that the footage would have been favorable to your case. However, this only applies if the business was given proper notice and still failed to preserve the video. Acting quickly and having legal documentation in place strengthens your case.
How G. Reynolds Legal, PLLC Helps You
Our firm serves injured clients in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and across South Florida. We move quickly to preserve crucial evidence, communicate with businesses, and take legal action when necessary. We send preservation letters, represent you during the claims process, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
If unsafe conditions caused your injury, do not delay. Surveillance video can be deleted fast. Our team helps you protect your claim from the start.
Visit our premises liability page to learn how our premises liability lawyers in Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale can help you hold negligent businesses accountable.
Contact Us Today
If you believe video evidence exists of your accident, let us help you secure it. Contact G. Reynolds Legal, PLLC or call 754-206-1082 for a free consultation. We represent injured clients in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout South Florida.
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