Video evidence can change the direction of a slip and fall claim. Falls happen fast, and memory can get fuzzy in the minutes that follow. Footage can fill in the gaps by showing what the area looked like, how a person moved, and what happened right before the fall. Salamati Law Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angels, CA often takes a more detail focused approach than many firms by treating early video preservation as a priority, not an afterthought, especially when a business is quick to fix the hazard and deny responsibility. In many cases, proving liability with camera footage is the best first step, since it answers tough insurer questions.
What Video Can Show That Photos Cannot
Photos are helpful, but they usually capture a single moment. Video can show motion, timing, and how the fall unfolded. A video may capture a wet floor, a loose mat, or a cluttered aisle before anyone cleans them up. It can also show whether warning cones were present, where they were located, and how visible they were. Footage may also capture the minutes leading up to the fall. That matters because it can show whether the hazard was obvious or hard to spot. It can also show foot traffic patterns, lighting, and whether the area was busy or crowded.
Capturing the Condition and the Timeline
One key issue in many claims is how long the hazard existed. A business may argue it had no chance to find and fix the problem. Video can support a timeline by showing when the hazard appeared and whether employees walked past it without acting. Timing can also help connect the injury to the incident. If the video shows a sudden fall and trouble standing right away, it suggests the injury began then. This can be important when an insurer argues that pain comes from a different event.
Identifying Who Was Responsible
Slip and fall cases often involve more than one responsible party. The property owner, a tenant, a property manager, or a cleaning contractor may have duties related to safety. Video can help show which area was involved and who was working nearby. Footage may reveal employee activity, such as stocking shelves, mopping, or moving displays. It may also show whether staff responded appropriately after the fall. That can matter when a business claims it followed safety procedures, but the video suggests otherwise.
Addressing Common Insurance Arguments
When footage exists, it can reduce the power of common defense tactics. Insurance companies may suggest a person was distracted, wearing unsafe shoes, or moving carelessly. Video can show whether the person was walking normally and whether the hazard was difficult to detect. Insurers also sometimes claim the fall was minor or that the injuries do not match the event. Video can show the force of the fall, the body position, and how the person reacted. Footage cannot replace medical proof, but it can back up the facts when insurers question the claim.
How to Request and Preserve Footage
Video footage can disappear quickly. Many systems record over old files in days or weeks. If you think a camera captured the incident, act fast. Write down the business name, the exact location, and the time window that likely includes the fall and the minutes before it. If you report the incident, ask the business to preserve the footage and note your request in writing. If the business stalls or refuses, a lawyer may need to send a preservation notice and request video. The goal is simple: keep the evidence intact before it is lost.
Video evidence can strengthen a slip and fall injury claim by showing the hazard, proving a timeline, and reducing disputes about what happened. It can also help identify who was responsible and push back against insurance arguments that blame the injured person. When footage exists, preserving it quickly can be one of the most important steps toward a clear, well-supported claim.