What We Look for Beyond the Store’s Video Footage
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Other than the video, what do you actually look for from the store?”
Video footage is important, but it is only the starting point.
Why We Request All Video Footage From the Store
Most people assume we only ask for the video showing the exact moment of the fall. In reality, we request all video footage from the store for that entire day.
There are several reasons for this:
- The dangerous condition may have existed long before the fall
- Employees or customers may have noticed and reported the hazard earlier
- The store may have failed to address a recurring issue
If water, debris, or another substance was on the floor for 15 minutes or more, that time frame can be critical. Even more important, if a customer alerted management before someone was injured, that goes directly to the store’s knowledge of the hazard.
Establishing the Store’s Knowledge Is Key
Slip and fall cases often hinge on whether the store knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
Evidence that helps establish knowledge includes:
- Prior complaints or reports
- Employees walking past the hazard without addressing it
- Footage showing the condition existed for an extended period
This is why broader video footage is often more valuable than a single camera angle.
Understanding the Store Layout and Traffic Flow
We also request detailed information about the layout of the store on the day of the incident.
This includes:
- End caps and aisle displays
- Promotional or seasonal displays
- Areas designed to draw increased customer traffic
Certain displays are intentionally placed to attract customers. End caps and seasonal sections are prime examples.
High Traffic Areas Require Higher Inspection Standards
Georgia case law requires stores to have reasonable inspection procedures. What is considered “reasonable” depends on the level of foot traffic in a specific area.
For example:
- A seasonal display area during holidays is a known high-traffic zone
- Stores expect increased customer concentration in these areas
- Inspection procedures should be more frequent and thorough
A store like Walmart knows that holiday sections during Halloween or Christmas will draw heavy traffic. That knowledge creates a higher expectation for inspections compared to areas like automotive or hardware sections during the same time period.
Why This Matters for Your Case
Slip and fall cases are rarely about one isolated moment. They are about patterns, awareness, and whether the store took reasonable steps to protect customers.
By examining:
- Video footage from throughout the day
- Customer and employee behavior
- Store layout and traffic patterns
- Inspection and maintenance practices
we can determine whether the store failed in its duty to keep the premises reasonably safe.
If you were injured in a slip and fall, early investigation matters.
In pain? Call Shane at 980-999-9999.
