The Difference Between “Slip & Fall” and “Trip & Fall” Accidents

While “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents are thought to be the same, they are actually quite different when it comes to making a personal injury claim. These two accidents cause different kinds of injuries, so the distinction between them is key in determining the financial compensation you receive from a falling accident injury.

“Slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents can happen in a variety of locations, including retail stores, workplaces, nursing homes, or on the street. If you slipped or tripped due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.

With this in mind, listed below are some of the key differences between “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents.

Slip & Fall Accidents

“Slip and fall” accidents happen when a person falls due to standing or walking on an unexpectedly slippery surface. Some examples of unexpectedly slippery surfaces include hard surfaces with wetness or condensation or hard floor surfaces that were recently cleaned or waxed.

During a slip and fall accident, the victim’s foot slides forward unexpectedly, causing them to lose balance. The ensuing fall usually results in the victim’s head and torso moving backwards while their feet slide forward. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries include sprained ankle or wrist, dislocated shoulder, brain injury, and nerve or spinal damage. If you’ve sustained one of these injuries due to a fall, you may be eligible for compensation. The property owner could potentially owe you funds for medical bills, lost wages, or other losses.   

Trip & Fall Accidents

“Trip and fall” accidents occur when an object is blocking a person’s path and they can’t bring their foot over it quickly enough to regain balance. After catching their foot on the object, the victim isn’t able to stop themselves from losing balance and falling forward. Common situations that cause trip and fall accidents include unexpected elevation between surfaces, uneven, cracked, or broken pavement, elevated door thresholds, and objects negligently or intentionally left in walkways. 

Since trip and fall accidents usually have different falling angles than slip and fall accidents, they typically result in different kinds of injuries. These injuries include broken bones and fractures, foot and neck injuries, and cuts, lacerations, and abrasions. While some injuries are more severe than others, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after being injured in a trip and fall accident. 

Contact Our Slip & Fall Lawyers at McShane & Brady Today

To schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall lawyers in Kansas City, MO, be sure to contact McShane & Brady or fill out the form on our website today. Our team will be able to get back with you within one business day.

McShane & Brady is a personal injury law firm representing those who have been injured through no fault of their own. These include car/truck accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, dog bites, nursing home neglect, and HIPAA violations. If you or a loved one have been injured and are seeking compassionate, experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success, give us a call at 816-888-8010.