Spoliation claims

Spoliation claims arise when one party in a legal case alleges that the other has intentionally or negligently destroyed, lost, or failed to preserve evidence relevant to the case. Such claims are intended to address the unfair advantage gained when evidence is lost, which can impair the ability to prove a claim or defense. Courts may impose sanctions, such as penalties or instructing the jury to presume the missing evidence was unfavorable, if they find evidence was spoliated. Essentially, spoliation claims seek to ensure fair proceedings by holding parties accountable for maintaining crucial evidence.