Difference Between Trip vs Slip & Fall Accidents

Tripping and slipping are two common causes of injuries. While many of these situations are random events that couldn’t be foreseen or prevented, some occur in preventable circumstances. Knowing the difference between a “trip” and a “slip” after being a victim of either one can help you build a solid personal injury claim and receive proper compensation for your physical and emotional challenges.

What Is a Slip and Fall?

A “slip and fall” is a type of accident where the victim falls backward as a result of slipping on an object or a slippery surface. Losing balance, falling backward, and hitting a hard surface can result in severe injuries to the head, spine, tailbone, and other areas of the body. If this occurs within the premises of a public or private building, you’re likely to be eligible to sue the property owner.

What Are Some Common Slip and Fall Injuries?

Some often-encountered outcomes of slipping and falling on a hard surface are:

• Fractured or broken bones, including arms, legs, tailbone, and hip.
• Head and neck injuries.
• Shoulder injuries.
• Back injuries, such as a slipped disc.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Slip and Fall Injuries?

Some examples of negligence by property owners that can result in a successful lawsuit against them are:

• Slippery areas of the floor due to recent cleaning operations or substance spills that are not properly signaled by the property owner or manager.
• Areas containing ice and snow in private or public outdoor areas, such as sidewalks, entrances, and parking lots.
• Construction sites without adequate protection.
• Uneven flooring may cause a loss of balance.
• Hazardous stairways due to slippery steps or a lack of banisters.
• Inadequate indoor or outdoor lighting may prevent people from seeing an obstacle and may result in slips and falls.

What Is a Trip and Fall?

Unlike slip-and-fall situations that cause the victim to fall backward, trip-and-fall accidents occur when the victim’s foot is blocked by an object in front of them, causing them to fall forward. This typically causes injuries in different areas of the body, such as the chest, knees, face, and hands. Like, slip and fall, if you trip, fall, and injure yourself within the premises of a private or public building, you may be entitled to compensatory damages.

What Are Some Common Trip and Fall Injuries?

Some examples of potential injuries resulting from tripping and falling on a hard surface are:

• Hand and arm bone fractures.
• Facial injuries, such as broken nose and teeth, as a result of the victim’s face hitting the ground.
• Severe bruising on the victim’s legs, arms, chest, and face.
• Strained or ruptured tendons, muscles, and ligaments due to the victim falling in an awkward position.
• Various cuts and bruises.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Trip and Fall Injuries?

Some common examples of property owners or managers being negligent and liable for being sued for negligence are:

• An uneven sidewalk or walkway due to improper maintenance or repair, can result in someone tripping and falling.
• Improper lighting on sidewalks, stairways, parking lots, and other private and public spaces, can result in someone not seeing various obstacles and tripping on them.
• Flooring with severe cracks or loose tiles in commercial spaces.
• Construction site locations that don’t properly signal hazards, such as open holes.
• Unmarked level variations in buildings such as hotels and other indoor areas that are accessible to the public.

Why Is It Important To Distinguish Between Trip and Slip and Fall Accidents in Nevada?

Although these two types of accidents may seem very similar, it’s important to make a distinction between them if you intend to take legal action. Since the types of injuries associated with the two are usually different, having medical records that correlate your injuries with the type of accident you went through can be essential for proving that you were a victim of the property owner’s or manager’s negligence.

Providing as many details as possible regarding your injuries and the context in which they occurred can have a significant impact on your chances of success in court. This can be especially important in a state such as Nevada, which follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you need to be less than 50% at fault to be eligible for receiving damages.

How To Determine if You May Be Eligible for a Trip or Slip and Fall Personal Injury Case

If you’ve been a victim of a slip or a trip that resulted in a serious fall, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your physical and emotional damages. Some common criteria for establishing such a case are:

• Were you in the area where the accident occurred legally?
• Was the hazardous element that caused your trip or slips easy to notice?
• Were there any visible warning signs in the place where the fall happened?
• Is your tripping or slipping and sustaining serious injuries in this area a reasonable scenario?
• Was the property owner or manager aware that you were on the property they’re responsible for?

How To Proceed After Being a Victim of a Trip or Slip and Fall Accident

Consider following these steps if you’ve been the victim of a trip or slip and sustained serious injuries:

1. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Inform the property owner or manager, and get a written confirmation that they’re aware of the situation.
3. Take pictures, get contact information from witnesses, and document as many details as you can.
4. Avoid giving any statements without first consulting with a legal professional.
5. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, such as one at De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, to help you build a strong premises liability case.

De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers Can Help You Receive Proper Compensation

If you’ve been a victim of a preventable trip or slip and fall, it’s natural to seek compensation for the physical injuries and emotional ordeal you’ve been through. Contact De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers today, and we’ll work with you to determine if you may be eligible for compensation and build a strong case in your favor.

Photo Credit: yellow Caution wet floor signage on wet pavement by T.H. Chia is licensed with Unsplash License