Surveillance and Stair Falls: Proving Your Case with Video Evidence in Las Vegas
A fall on a staircase can happen in an instant—but proving what caused it can be much harder, especially in a city like Las Vegas where crowded venues, dim lighting, and fast-paced environments are common. Whether it’s a slip on hotel stairs, a trip at a casino, or a fall at a busy shopping center, video surveillance can be one of the most powerful tools to support your personal injury claim.
At Mainor Ellis, we regularly help clients who’ve been injured in stairway accidents across Las Vegas. Here’s how surveillance footage plays a critical role in building a strong case—and what you need to know if you’ve recently been hurt.
Why Staircase Accidents Are Difficult to Prove
Stairway falls often result in serious injuries—broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, or even long-term disability. But these claims can be difficult to win without clear evidence of what caused the fall. Property owners may argue that the victim was careless or that there was nothing wrong with the stairs at all.
In crowded Las Vegas establishments like casinos, resorts, and retail spaces, witnesses may be hard to track down, and conditions can change quickly. A spilled drink, broken handrail, or dim lighting might be cleaned up or repaired shortly after the accident, leaving little physical evidence behind.
How Surveillance Footage Can Help
Most casinos, hotels, and businesses in Las Vegas use extensive video surveillance to monitor their premises. If your fall was captured on camera, that footage can:
- Show exactly how and why the fall occurred
- Identify hazards, like a loose step or wet surface
- Demonstrate the timing of the incident, which may support arguments about staff negligence (e.g., failing to clean up or warn visitors)
- Confirm the presence of witnesses, who can provide supporting testimony
- Refute inaccurate claims, such as an owner saying the area was properly maintained or the victim was intoxicated
Surveillance footage is often considered objective evidence and can carry significant weight in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Time Is of the Essence
Here’s the catch: many businesses only keep surveillance footage for a limited time, sometimes as short as 7–14 days. After that, the video may be automatically deleted or recorded over. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly.
If you’ve been injured in a stair fall, you (or your attorney) should:
- Report the incident immediately to the property owner or manager
- Request a copy of the surveillance footage that may have captured the fall
- Send a formal letter (preferably through an attorney) asking that the footage be preserved
- Seek medical attention and document all injuries thoroughly
Let Mainor Ellis Help Protect Your Rights
At Mainor Ellis, our Las Vegas Stairway Accident Injury Attorneys know how to move fast to secure video evidence, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Stairway accidents can lead to painful and costly injuries—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys help you take the next step toward justice.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-041.html
