How Slip & Fall And Trip & Fall Accidents Different?

How Slip & Fall And Trip & Fall Accidents Different?

Did you know that falling is the number one cause of unintentional injuries (in the United States)? The reality is that people fall every day. And when they do, they get injured. The question is: what caused the fall?

Perhaps how you fell is irrelevant to you, but your attorney will want to know. Did you slip on something or trip over something? Even though it may seem the same to you, it is different and requires a different legal approach. Our Los Angeles Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys advise you to learn more about the difference between slips and trips so that you can have a better understanding of your rights once you do find yourself on the ground as a result of a trip or slip. 

Here are some of the basic differences between slip and fall and a trip and fall accident.

Slip and Fall

When a person falls as a result of a slip (usually caused by a wet or icy surface), the accident is considered a slip and fall. This type of accident allows the individual to file a claim against the person who owns the property (if the owner’s negligence caused the property to be slippery or icy). Slip and Fall accidents usually cause the following injuries:

  • Neck injury
  • Back injury
  • Hip injury
  • Back of the head injury

Some examples of slip and fall include:

  • A recently waxed or cleaned the hard floor
  • The melted ice cube on a hard floor
  • Hair products that have fallen on the hard floor, making it slippery

If you can prove that the property was badly maintained by its owner or the workers responsible for maintenance, you may be able to file a claim. Simply consult with your attorneys and ask for legal advice.

Trip and Falls

Opposite to Slips and Falls, trips happen because a person failed to step on something or did not step all the way over something that is fixed. In most cases, this causes the person to fall forward, which causes the person to get injured. The injuries are a bit different than the ones mentioned above. Trip injuries usually involve:

  • Face injuries
  • Hand and arm fractures
  • Knee injuries
  • Elbow injuries
  • Head injuries

Some examples of trip and fall include:

  • Door jambs
  • Uneven sidewalk or parking lot
  • Tripping over something stuck below the carpet
  • Tripping over wires and installations

Either way, you could still be able to file a claim against the property owner, as long as you can prove that it was their negligence or lack of care that caused you to trip and get injured. If you need help proving their negligence, consult with our Premises Liability Attorneys in Los Angeles right away. Our attorneys will gladly evaluate your case and help investigate the case to determine who is responsible for your trip. 

After getting injured, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact your attorney immediately and seek legal help and protection.