Whether it is a car accident or slip and fall, many factors come into play when you try to make a personal injury claim. For one, surveillance. Surveillance in personal injury cases — credibility more than just apparent action of the claim. In this post, we will take a look at the role that surveillance can play in Huntsville personal injury claims, what claimants need to know, and how personal injury lawyers can protect their rights.

The Basics of Surveillance for Injury Cases

Surveillance in personal injury cases generally includes private investigators, video recordings, photographs, and other methods of observing the claimant while documenting their activities. Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently use surveillance to find evidence that may undermine a claimant’s assertions regarding the extent of his or her injuries and what they are able (and unable) to do.

How Surveillance Can Help or Hurt Your Claim

• Credibility Problems: The claimant’s credibility is the biggest function of surveillance. Surveillance videos showing activities inconsistent with the claimant’s injuries will irrefutably damage his credibility. This can cause the settlement amount to be decreased and, if it is severe enough, may even cause the plaintiff’s claim to be thrown out completely.
• Impact of Surveillance Evidence on The Settlement Negotiations: Negotiating settlement with the help of surveillance evidence. Insurers may leverage this type of evidence to justify paying a lower settlement, alleging that the claimant is not as injured as they say. This may increase the length of negotiations and decrease potential compensation.
• Trial Evidence: If the case reaches trial, for example, surveillance footage may be used as evidence. This can affect how the jury views the claimant and will in turn change the outcome of their final decision. The defense can then use this information as a basis to say that the claimant is exaggerating their injuries, or even worse, malingering.

Safeguarding Your Injury Claim

If you have a personal injury claim in Huntsville, here are some measures you can take to minimize your risk of surveillance affecting the outcome of your case:

• Tell the Truth: Tell the truth about injuries and limitations. It is vital that you are consistent in what you tell your attorney, medical providers and during depositions.
• Listen to medical guidance: Follow your physician’s recommendations and treatment. You’re surveillance footage of deviating from medical advice can be used against you.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Know that you could be watched at any moment. Refrain from doing things that can be misinterpreted or things that can make it look like you are trying to undermine your claim.
• Document Your Injury: Maintain thorough records of your injuries, treatment, and limitations on any day-to-day activities. Proper documentation can serve as a refute against surveillance evidence that attempts to mischaracterize your condition.
• Speak to Your Lawyer: Collaborate with your personal injury lawyer on how best to deal with surveillance and its effects on your case. An advisor can guide you on how to react to the evidence collected through surveillance and safeguard one of your rights.

Surveillance footage can have a huge implication on personal injury claims in Huntsville namely during the settlement process or court trials. So, now that you know the role surveillance plays in personal injury claims and what steps you can take to defend your claim against damaging footage from a video camera, you will be better able to navigate this part of the legal process. Make sure you seek out a competent personal injury attorney who knows the ins and outs of your case to make sure your rights are protected.