If I Fell In a Store, Do They Have to Give Me a Copy of the Surveillance Video?

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a retail store, the store does not have a legal duty to provide you with a copy of the video. The only real way to obtain the video of your fall is by suing the store for your injuries. At that time, during discovery, the store is required to provide you, or your attorney, with a copy of the video. Regardless of whether or not the case is in suit, my office always sends a ‘spoilation letter’ advising the store to preserve the video, as it is evidence that can be introduced at trial. The failure of a store to preserve the video can result in serious sanctions and penalties by the court.