Store Security Camera Footage: Getting It Before It's Gone

When an accident or injury occurs at a store, security camera footage can be one of the most valuable pieces of evidence for a personal injury claim. Whether it's a slip and fall, a car accident in the parking lot, or another type of injury, this footage can provide clear insights into what happened. However, store security footage is often deleted or overwritten after a short period. This is why it’s essential to act quickly to ensure that you can secure this crucial evidence before it’s gone.

Why Store Security Camera Footage is Crucial for Your Case

Security camera footage offers an unbiased account of the events surrounding your injury. Unlike witness testimony, which can be affected by memory or personal bias, video evidence accurately portrays what happened. In cases where the store may be liable for your injury—such as if they failed to clean up a spill or maintain safe walking conditions—the footage can clearly show the hazardous situation that led to your injury.

Additionally, if the footage captures the moment of the incident, it can help support your claim by demonstrating the circumstances that caused your injury. These factors can significantly impact your case, whether it's poor lighting, obstructed walkways, or a defect in the store.

How Long Does Security Footage Stay Available?

Store security footage is typically stored for a limited time. Most stores keep surveillance footage for a few days or weeks before it is overwritten. The exact time frame can vary depending on the store's policies and the type of system they use. In some cases, if the store doesn't preserve the footage, it can be erased as soon as the storage space is needed for new recordings. This makes acting quickly imperative to ensure that you get access to the footage before it’s deleted.

How to Obtain Store Security Footage

Once you know that store security footage could support your claim, the next step is to request it. You should contact the store directly, ideally in writing, to formally request the footage. Be specific about the incident's time, date, and location so they can identify the relevant footage. If the store agrees to preserve the footage, make sure to get written confirmation of this request.

Sometimes, stores may be reluctant to provide the footage without legal intervention. That’s where a premises liability attorney can be invaluable. Attorneys can help you formally request the footage and ensure that it is preserved for your case.

How a Lawyer Can Help Secure Security Footage

A skilled attorney can help you obtain store security camera footage by sending formal requests or issuing legal notices to preserve the evidence. If the store is uncooperative or tries to destroy the footage, a lawyer can take legal steps to ensure the footage is kept safe.

Additionally, a lawyer experienced in premises liability cases can help assess how the footage might impact your claim and work with investigators or experts to enhance your case. They can also handle negotiations or take the case to court if necessary, giving you the support you need during a challenging time.

If you’ve been injured at a store, accessing security camera footage can be vital to your case. Because this footage is typically only kept briefly, it’s crucial to act quickly to secure it. A premises liability attorney can help you preserve the footage, protect your rights, and provide guidance throughout the legal process. Contact Crichton Injury Law to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.