The Role of Surveillance Footage in Slip and Fall Cases in South Carolina

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common personal injury claims in South Carolina. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall incidents account for over one million emergency room visits annually in the United States. In Charleston, Columbia, and across the Palmetto State, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. When negligence leads to injuries, video surveillance footage can be a critical factor in proving liability and securing fair compensation for victims.

How Surveillance Footage Strengthens a Slip and Fall Case

1. Establishing Liability

Surveillance footage provides objective evidence of the conditions leading up to a slip and fall accident. This evidence is particularly valuable in cases where the property owner or insurance company disputes liability. Video recordings can demonstrate whether hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting directly contributed to the accident.

CFJ Injury Lawyers, led by experienced personal injury attorneys Catherine F. Juhas and Eric Saleme, have successfully leveraged surveillance footage in numerous cases. Their deep understanding of South Carolina premises liability laws allows them to use this evidence effectively when negotiating settlements or presenting cases in court. With over 40 years of combined experience, the team at CFJ Injury Lawyers knows how to counter the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.

2. Demonstrating Conditions at the Time of the Accident

Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable due to memory lapses or biases, but video evidence provides a clear and indisputable account of the accident. Surveillance footage can capture:

• The exact location and time of the incident
• The presence (or absence) of warning signs
• Actions taken by employees or other individuals before and after the accident

For instance, if a store employee mopped an aisle but failed to place a warning sign, the footage can prove negligence. In a recent case handled by CFJ Injury Lawyers, video footage helped establish that a Charleston grocery store had a long-standing issue with leaking refrigeration units, directly leading to a client’s injuries. This meticulous attention to evidence has helped CFJ Injury Lawyers secure favorable outcomes for many South Carolina residents.

3. Countering Opposing Claims

Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto the injured party by arguing that they were distracted, wearing inappropriate footwear, or acting recklessly. High-quality video footage can counter these claims by showing:

• The victim’s careful and reasonable behavior
• The actual hazard causing the fall
• The lack of any contributory negligence

At CFJ Injury Lawyers, clients benefit from attorneys who understand how to challenge misleading insurance defense tactics. Attorney Catherine Juhas, licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., has a track record of using video evidence to disprove false claims and maximize compensation for her clients. Attorney Eric Saleme’s fluency in Spanish allows him to assist a diverse clientele, ensuring that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same high level of legal advocacy.

Navigating the Slip and Fall Process with CFJ Injury Lawyers

Filing a slip and fall claim can be overwhelming, but CFJ Injury Lawyers guide clients through every step of the process, ensuring they receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here’s how CFJ Injury Lawyers can help:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation:

They provide free case reviews to assess the viability of your claim and identify key evidence, including surveillance footage.

• Preserving Crucial Evidence:

Their team acts quickly to secure video footage before it can be deleted and gathers witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to strengthen your case.

• Negotiating with Insurance Companies:

With decades of experience, CFJ Injury Lawyers handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring clients do not accept lowball settlements.

• Litigation Support:

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, CFJ Injury Lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

South Carolina Slip and Fall Statistics

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Slip and fall incidents are the second leading cause of accidental deaths in South Carolina, according to state health data.
• The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) estimates that falls account for over 30% of emergency room visits related to unintentional injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in South Carolina?

• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Take photos of the scene, including any hazards.
• Obtain witness contact information.
• Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney, such as CFJ Injury Lawyers, to evaluate your case.

Q: How can I obtain surveillance footage of my accident?

A: Businesses and property owners are not legally required to provide footage unless requested through legal channels. CFJ Injury Lawyers can send a formal preservation letter and subpoena the footage if necessary.

Q: Can surveillance footage be used against me?

A: Yes, insurance companies may use video evidence to argue that you were at fault. An experienced attorney can analyze the footage and challenge any misleading interpretations.

Q: How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in South Carolina?

A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. Delaying legal action can make it harder to secure crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage.

How CFJ Injury Lawyers Can Help

CFJ Injury Lawyers, formerly known as Wern Lawyers, have over 40 years of experience representing injured clients in North Charleston and across South Carolina. Their bilingual team (English and Spanish) provides personalized legal support to help victims recover financially and physically.

Their attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and a strong track record of winning settlements for clients who have suffered due to negligence. Catherine F. Juhas’s expertise in legal writing and analysis, including her published work in maritime law, gives her a strategic edge in complex liability cases. Eric Saleme’s commitment to pro bono work and community engagement ensures that all clients receive dedicated representation, regardless of their background.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t leave your case to chance. Contact CFJ Injury Lawyers for a free case review. Let our dedicated team fight for the compensation you deserve.