I slipped and fell at Publix. It was captured on surveillance. When can I see the video?

Author: Attorney Jason Macri

Most Publix locations are outfitted with surveillance cameras that capture the majority of the interior premises of the Publix. Many of these cameras are able to be seen and located by Publix patrons. Much of the time, when a person slips and falls due to the negligence of Publix employees, the patron assumes that because there are surveillance cameras, Publix will see them fall and automatically offer to pay medical bills and provide compensation. This is typically not true.

Publix utilizes surveillance cameras for many reasons. The cameras help deter crime and investigate theft. They also aid Publix in determining employee work habits. From a risk management standpoint, Publix is able to use these cameras in order to help determine how an accident may have occurred and whether Publix is liable for the accident. The surveillance footage is considered “work product” and therefore, Publix has no duty to provide the footage to a customer upon request. Instead, Publix will typically not provide the footage without a Court order.

In order to obtain a Court order, the injured customer would need to file a lawsuit against Publix. Publix is well aware that most customers would have no clue how to effectively file a lawsuit and obtain a Court order. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for an injured person to hire a skilled injury attorney immediately after getting medical treatment. The attorney will ensure that Publix preserves any surveillance video that exists so that some of the most important evidence in the case may eventually be obtained.

Sometimes surveillance footage of a fall can make or break a case. Often times the video will show not only how a person fell but why. The video may help show that Publix either knew or should’ve known that a dangerous condition existed. Without any video, it is typically very difficult to effectively prove every necessary element of a lawsuit. The video may not only confirm that a person did actually fall in Publix but may also show exactly why the fall was Publix’s fault.

If a person becomes injured at Publix, they should hire a skilled injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorney will protect the rights of the injured person and help ensure that any important evidence is preserved and ultimately produced.