How a Lack of Security Cameras Can Impact a Personal Injury Case

Businesses use security cameras for many reasons, such as monitoring emergencies, providing evidence when something goes wrong, and deterring harmful behavior. Security cameras are essential to creating a safer environment. They also help build trust between the people who utilize a business’s services and the business itself, which is critical because trust is necessary to secure long-term success.

It makes a lot of sense to have security cameras in a business because they offer safety and accountability should something go wrong. Still, not all businesses choose to have enough security cameras on their premises, and when an injury accident happens, this can be seen as a form of negligence, while also making it harder for a business to defend itself against allegations of wrongdoing.

Why Businesses must Have Security Cameras

Buying a surveillance system may seem like an unnecessary addition to a business, but often, the advantages of investing in one can save in the long term. Should a personal injury event happen, not having a surveillance system or sufficient security cameras in place can make a business look negligent and lead to damaging financial and reputational effects that could be very hard to recover from.

First, when an injury accident happens, if a security camera films it, then the footage can provide clear, time-stamped visuals of what exactly happened. If a patron is alleging that a business was negligent and that is why their injury accident happened, video footage may show otherwise. For example, it could show that the individuals were behaving recklessly before their injury incident, or it can refute claims that the premises were hazardous or unsafe.

Next, when the court evaluates an injury suit, it will usually look to see if a business has acted in a way that is reasonable for how any other entity would act under similar circumstances. In today’s world, it is common practice for certain businesses, like retail, hospitality, and property management, to have security cameras in place. If an injury happens in a business that operates in an industry where cameras are standard, but this particular business did not have the same level of surveillance installed, a court could consider this falling short of the duty of care that would be expected of the business. As a result, the court may determine that the business was irresponsible and negligent.

In the event of a personal injury lawsuit, the absence of security cameras can also lead to a “he said, she said” situation. Without clear evidence, liability may come down to conflicting witness accounts or subjective recollections. This uncertainty can hurt the business’s case and even result in unfavorable settlements or court judgments. On the other hand, if security footage were available, it could quickly resolve disputes, showing whether the injured party was acting carelessly or whether staff responded appropriately to hazards.

Last, when an injury accident happens, doing an internal investigation can be incredibly helpful for business owners and managers to learn more about what went wrong. Having a camera that can provide a clearer picture of the missteps or issues that may have been present is important to correct any safety issues that exist and ultimately reduce the chances that future accidents will happen.

Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you were injured on a commercial property and would like to file a New Jersey personal injury claim, please call our South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our Pennsylvania office to discuss your case today.

We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania wrongful death and personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County,  Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monroe County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Ocean County, Salem County, Susquehanna County and all of New Jersey.

Source:

cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm