Proving Your Case with Video–Evidence is Everywhere

Video surveillance is pervasive. Statistics show that the average person is videotaped without his or her knowledge 10 or 15 times a day.

Video surveillance is also highly advantageous in proving both liability and damages in a personal injury case. Video cameras are installed almost everywhere. They are at many intersections and also in many places of business.

In a recent case against Jack-in-the-Box, our firm successfully used video surveillance footage to show that a Jack-in-the-Box employee created a dangerous condition by mopping the floor of the restaurant without placing “Slippery When Wet” signs so that they could viewed by patrons.

The quality of many video surveillance tapes is poor, but they can be enhanced. While the enhanced tapes may be subject to objection at trial, these objections are by and large overcome. Video experts often explain enhancement to the court by asking the person with glasses to take those glasses off and read a plaque at the rear of the courtroom. Without the use of the glasses the plaque is blurry and cannot be read. However, with glasses on, it can be read easily. The use of glasses does not change what the plaque says, but rather the ability to perceive it. The same thing is true in terms of enhancing video surveillance tapes.

If you were injured, it is paramount to check to see if the incident was captured on surveillance tape. For answers to your questions, ask a personal injury attorney.