Mount Holly, NJ asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Virginia

Q: Injured playing pickleball at YMCA, right to view footage?

I was injured while playing pickleball at the YMCA. I ran into an unpadded cinderblock wall on a 'small court' after previously playing on a 'full court'. There were no warnings or mats on the wall. I was knocked out for 30 seconds, sustained a concussion, and required three staples in the back of my head. A staff member and pickleball instructor was present, an incident report was filled out, and 911 was called. I was assessed by EMS, and my husband took me to the hospital for treatment. I would like to know if I have the right to view any video footage of the incident, as I don't recall exactly what happened. What are my legal options regarding this injury?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry about your accident. People generally have the right to see video that shows them in an accident. One option is to arrange a free initial consult with a Virginia attorney. In addition to assessing the accident, they may be able to retrieve video or other relevant evidence without further delays, and advise in more detail able your rights and options. I hope you are okay. Good luck

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You may have the right to view video footage of the incident, especially if the YMCA has surveillance cameras in the area where you were injured. However, access to this footage may depend on the YMCA's policies and whether the footage is available and stored. It’s a good idea to make a formal request for the footage, especially since the incident was documented in the report, and the injury was serious.

As for your legal options, if the YMCA failed to provide adequate warnings or take safety precautions, such as padding the wall, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim based on premises liability. If the YMCA was negligent in maintaining a safe environment, they could be held responsible for your injuries. You should gather all documentation, including medical records, the incident report, and any other relevant evidence.

To proceed, you might want to consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess your case and help you understand your rights. They can assist you in requesting the footage and guide you through the legal process if you decide to pursue compensation for your injury.

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