People often use “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” interchangeably, but there is a difference. A slip happens when part of your foot or shoe touches a slippery surface, causing you to lose balance and fall. For example, slipping on a wet floor. A trip occurs when your foot hits an object that stops it from moving forward, making you fall. Sometimes an incident involves both a slip and a trip.
The type of fall can lead to different injuries. People who slip often fall backward, hurting their head, neck, back, hips, ankles, or wrists. People who trip tend to fall forward, injuring their head, face, hands, arms, knees, or feet. While the difference between a slip and a trip is straightforward, the legal cases can be complex.
If you or someone you know was injured in a fall, consulting an experienced Brooklyn slip and fall lawyer can help build a strong claim. The attorneys at Kucher Law Group may be able to help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Finding the right lawyer can help get the most favorable outcome. Contact us today at (929) 563-6780 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Trip and Fall?
A “trip and fall” accident happens when an individual stumbles over an object, an uneven surface, or any physical barrier, leading to a fall and possible injuries. Such incidents often occur in areas with heavy foot traffic, like department stores, hotel lobbies, etc., where items left on shelves, aisles, or floor fixtures pose tripping hazards. Outdoor factors like potholes and pavement cracks can also lead to trip and fall accidents.
Typical injuries from a trip and fall include hand or arm fractures, facial abrasions, and elbow or knee damage.
What is a Slip and Fall?
A “slip and fall” injury commonly occurs when someone loses their footing on a wet, icy, or otherwise slick surface. These incidents can happen in various places, including sidewalks, parking lots, and stores. Such areas must be promptly cleaned and marked (e.g., with a “wet floor” sign) to warn of the hazard. A slip and fall in an unmarked area might entitle the injured person to compensation.
Common injuries from a slip and fall encompass head or brain trauma, neck or back injuries, spinal cord damage, and fractures.
| Types of Falls | Description | Likely Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Slip and Fall | Occurs when a portion of your foot or footwear encounters a slippery surface, causing a loss of balance and a fall. | Injuries often involve the back of the head and neck, back, spinal cord, hips, ankles, and sometimes wrists. |
| Trip and Fall | Occurs when your foot or footwear encounters an obstacle, stopping it from moving forward, leading to a fall. Sometimes, a case may involve both a slip and a trip. | Injuries typically affect the front of the head and face, hands, arms, knees, and feet. |
Why is The Difference Between a “Slip” and a “Trip” So Important In The Court Of Law?
The difference between a “slip” and a “trip” matters in court. To win a case, evidence must show the accident could have been prevented.
For example, if evidence shows you tripped on an uneven sidewalk but you say you slipped on the sidewalk surface, it weakens your case. The facts need to match up. If not, you may not get compensation for injuries.
To get a good outcome, it’s important to understand exactly how the accident happened. Be clear in describing what caused you to fall – whether you slipped on a wet floor or tripped over an object. Giving accurate details strengthens your case and improves your chances of recovery.
What Should You Do After Experiencing a Trip and Fall or Slip and Fall in New York?
Falls are very common and as such, trying to sue the responsible party can be tricky. If you are injured in a fall, first make sure to get medical care right away.
The key for fall cases is figuring out what caused it and how it happened. Take notes on the situation. What were you doing when you fell? Where were you going? If the surrounding area is safe, take photos or video of the exact spot you fell or ask a trusted individual to take them for you. It is also important to get the contact information of any witnesses who can corroborate what happened. With this information, you can contact an experienced fall injury lawyer you trust.
An attorney can help investigate how and why you fell. They can build a strong case by assisting you in gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses. A lawyer can also provide valuable advice on whether you have a valid claim and assist you in negotiating a fair settlement. Your chances of getting compensation can be significantly improved by getting the help of a skilled attorney.
Workplace-Related Falls Are Common
Falls can happen almost anywhere, including at work. Given that most of our time are spent in our workplaces, workplace accidents such as falls are common, especially in dangerous industries like construction. Workplace-related falls are so frequent that it is one of the most common injuries that cause people to miss work.
Falls are also the leading type of injury in workers’ compensation claims. An estimated 12-15% of all workers’ compensation claims come from fall injuries.
Workplace-related falls can also be deadly. Falling on the job can lead to fatal injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 workers were fatally injured in a fall at work in New York City in 2017.
Consequently, the costs can add up for employers. Between medical bills, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims, fall accidents can drain workplace budgets.
Fall Accidents and Premises Liability
If a person slips or trips and injures themselves while on the premises of a company or a property owned by another person, they might be able to file a premises liability personal injuries case. In these cases, the victim can sue the owner of any property that caused the accident to take responsibility for their injuries.
For example, a restaurant employee who fails to place a “wet-floor” sign on the floor could cause a customer’s fall and result in an injury. The injured party can then sue the restaurant since they are responsible for the safety of their patrons and are liable for any injuries that result from the neglect of the premises.
Damages from fall accidents on premises often include:
- The cost of medical treatment and any ongoing expenses such as pain medication
- The cost for previous surgeries or treatments related to the injury
- The cost of any broken property
- Loss of wages caused by being away from work during recovery
Every case is different. This is why the injured party should have the legal advice of a top-notch New York slip and fall injury attorney by their side.
Experienced Trip and Fall and Slip and Fall Lawyers – Kucher Law Group
Getting the right legal advice can make all the difference in a slip and fall case.
At Kucher Law Group, our lawyers have extensive experience with the small details that distinguish a slip from a trip. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these types of cases and are ready to help. We may be able to guide you through the complex legal process. We can examine the specifics of how your accident occurred to build the strongest case for compensation possible. Contact us today at (929) 563-6780 to learn more.
