Kennett Square Premises Liability Lawyer

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur. If you were hurt due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, Kingbird Legal is ready to fight for you. Our Kennett Square premises liability lawyer will help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether your injury resulted from a slip and fall, inadequate security, or hazardous property conditions, we will investigate the incident and hold negligent property owners accountable. Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims, but we will stand up for your rights. We understand the lasting effects of premises-related injuries, and we are committed to helping you recover. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

How Surveillance Footage Can Affect Premises Liability Claims in Pennsylvania

When an accident occurs on someone else’s property, one of the most important aspects of pursuing a premises liability claim is gathering evidence to support your case. Surveillance camera footage can play a critical role in these claims, helping to clarify what happened and provide a clear record of the events. Whether you were injured in a slip and fall, a dangerous condition, or any other type of incident on someone’s property, having access to security camera footage can strengthen your claim.

In Pennsylvania, like many states, property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, the injured party may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. Surveillance cameras are often present in public places and businesses, and they can provide valuable evidence to determine who was at fault and how the injury occurred.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to ensure that their property is safe for visitors, including customers, employees, or any other individuals lawfully on the premises. This area of law applies to a wide range of accidents, including:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Trip and fall accidents
• Injuries due to inadequate lighting
• Injuries caused by defective or broken equipment
• Injuries caused by falling objects or unsafe walkways

If an individual is injured because the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment or adequately warn of hazards, they may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Proving that the property owner was negligent and that the injury occurred due to their failure to address safety risks is a key part of these cases.

How Surveillance Cameras Can Help in Premises Liability Claims

In many cases, the only way to establish what happened during an accident is through surveillance footage. These cameras can offer crucial insights that might not be readily available through witness statements or medical records. Here’s how security cameras play a vital role:

1. Providing an Objective Account of the Incident

The primary advantage of surveillance footage is that it offers an objective, visual account of the accident. Unlike witness statements, which can be influenced by memory, perception, or personal bias, surveillance cameras capture what actually happened in real-time. This footage can show exactly how the accident occurred, whether it was due to a dangerous condition on the property, a failure to warn about hazards, or any other issue.

For example, if someone slips on a wet floor in a grocery store, the footage can show if the area was marked with a wet floor sign or if the store employee was negligent in cleaning the spill. This evidence can be crucial in demonstrating whether the property owner’s actions (or inaction) contributed to the injury.

2. Confirming the Timeline of Events

Surveillance footage can also confirm the timeline of events leading up to and after the accident. This can be important in understanding the chain of events and how long the hazardous condition was present. For example, if an accident occurred because a broken light fixture had been left unattended for hours, the footage might show when the fixture was last checked or when the hazard appeared. This helps establish whether the property owner was negligent in addressing the issue.

The timing is also important when assessing how long the dangerous condition had been present. If the property owner had the opportunity to address the hazard but failed to do so in a reasonable time frame, this could strengthen your claim of negligence.

3. Demonstrating the Severity of the Injury

While security cameras typically won’t show the full extent of the injury itself, they can capture the immediate aftermath, which may be helpful in proving the seriousness of the accident. For example, if someone falls and struggles to get up, the footage can show how the individual was affected by the injury, indicating that immediate medical attention was required. This can support claims of the injury’s severity and the need for long-term treatment, which in turn can impact the amount of compensation sought.

In some cases, security footage may also show how the injured party attempted to avoid the accident, which can provide additional context. If a person was injured while trying to avoid a dangerous condition, the footage can demonstrate that the accident was unavoidable due to the hazard’s presence.

4. Addressing Disputes Over Fault

One of the most difficult aspects of a premises liability case is proving fault. The property owner might argue that the injury was caused by the victim’s own actions or that the condition was not hazardous at the time of the accident. Surveillance footage can provide concrete evidence to counter these arguments.

For example, if the property owner claims that the injured person was not paying attention or was engaging in reckless behavior, the footage can show whether this was true. It can also reveal if the dangerous condition (e.g., a slippery floor or poorly lit stairwell) was clearly visible or if the property owner failed to warn visitors about the hazard.

5. Helping with Settlement Negotiations

In many personal injury cases, both sides try to reach a settlement before going to trial. Surveillance footage can be a powerful tool in settlement negotiations. If the footage clearly shows that the property owner’s negligence led to the injury, the insurance company may be more likely to offer a fair settlement to avoid further litigation. On the other hand, if the footage suggests shared fault or complicates the case, the settlement process might be more challenging.

Having surveillance footage that supports your claim can put you in a stronger position during these negotiations. If the case does go to court, having strong video evidence can improve your chances of winning.

How to Obtain Surveillance Footage for Your Case

If you’re pursuing a premises liability claim, obtaining surveillance footage can be an essential step. However, it’s not always straightforward. Property owners are not legally required to keep video footage indefinitely, and in many cases, the footage may be erased after a certain period.

Here are a few tips on obtaining surveillance footage for your case:

• Act quickly: Once an accident occurs, it’s important to notify the property owner or business immediately to request the footage. Many surveillance systems automatically overwrite old footage, so time is critical.
• Work with an attorney: An experienced premises liability lawyer can help request the footage and ensure that it’s preserved. In some cases, your lawyer can send a formal preservation letter to the property owner to prevent them from deleting or destroying the footage.
• Document everything: If you’re able to, take note of the location of the cameras, the exact time and date of the incident, and any other details that may help in locating the relevant footage. This can assist your lawyer in making the right request.

Protecting Your Rights in Kennett Square

If you were injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you have the right to seek compensation. At Kingbird Legal, our Kennett Square premises liability attorney is committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and securing the compensation you need for your recovery. Don’t let an insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.