Difference Between Slip and Fall vs. Trip and Fall

Although falls often feel like random missteps, they typically don’t come out of nowhere. When your fall happened because of preventable hazards on someone else’s property, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your situation. Even though “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents may seem similar, they involve different circumstances and cause different injuries. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for building a strong case and securing the compensation you need to recover. In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast these two types of accidents and explain what victims need to know about their legal rights in either situation.

What Is a Slip and Fall?

A slip and fall accident typically happens when someone loses traction on a slippery or unstable surface, falling backwards as a result. Common situations that can lead to these incidents include:

• Wet or greasy floors without warning signs,
• Spilled liquid or water that hasn’t been cleaned up, 
• Ice or snow covering walkways, and
• Loose carpet or mats.

When the floor is hard to grip, your feet are at risk of sliding forward faster than you intend, tipping your body behind you. As a result, slips and falls frequently cause back, hips, or head injuries. This can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
• Shoulder dislocation, 
• Spinal injuries,
• Hip fractures, and
• Tailbone bruising.

In Virginia, property owners are legally responsible for keeping the environment reasonably safe for visitors and warning people about potentially dangerous conditions. This responsibility includes taking cautionary measures to address slipping hazards, such as unsecured rugs, wet floors, and icy pathways. If a property owner fails to fulfill this duty, they could face legal penalties for any injuries caused by their negligence. For example, imagine an employee at a restaurant mops the hallway by the bathrooms but leaves without putting up a sign to warn customers that it might be wet and slippery. If someone slips on the wet surface and hits their head in the fall, the restaurant owner could be liable for their injuries. 

What Is a Trip and Fall?

Trip and fall accidents generally happen when someone falls forward due to stumbling over an obstacle or uneven surface. Common causes of trips and falls happen due to:

• Uneven sidewalks or pavement;
• Objects left in walkways, such as tools, merchandise, or clutter;
• Poorly marked steps or changes in elevation;
• Improperly maintained stairs or handrails; and
• Damaged flooring.

Because the motion propels victims forward, trip and fall injuries tend to differ from slip and fall injuries. Common tripping injuries include:

• Broken wrists or arms,
• Facial injuries,
• Chipped teeth,
• Knee fractures, and
• Bruises and scrapes.

Just like with slips and falls, Virginia law requires property owners to keep their premises free of tripping hazards that could harm visitors. For instance, a landlord has a responsibility to keep walkways around the complex well-maintained for visitors and residents. If you trip and fall on an uneven sidewalk your landlord has refused to fix, they could be legally responsible for the injuries you suffer in your fall.

Legal Rights 

Individuals hurt in a slip or trip and fall accident have the same rights to take legal action for their injuries in Virginia. If you’re hurt in a fall due to unaddressed hazards on someone else’s property, you can file a lawsuit to hold them accountable for their negligence and seek compensation for injuries.

To prove negligence in a slip or trip and fall case, you must show:

• A hazardous condition existed on the property,
• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard,
• The property owner did not address the hazard within a reasonable amount of time, and
• The hazard caused your injury and any resultant losses.

Whether your fall involved slipping or tripping, it’s crucial to have clear, compelling evidence proving all of these elements of negligence. If you successfully prove your case, you could recover compensation for the damages you suffered due to their negligence. This could include compensation for medical bills, follow-up doctor’s visits, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Slip or Trip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a fall, your actions immediately following the accident can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. Here are the key steps to take:

• Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some injuries, such as TBIs or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent or may worsen over time. It’s crucial to see a doctor to get the assessment and treatment you need and to establish a causal link between the fall and your injuries.
• Document the scene. If you can, take photos or videos of the area where you fell, including any hazards that caused the accident. Try to capture details like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
• Collect witness information. If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could be valuable when proving liability.
• Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or relevant authority about your fall. If possible, request a copy of a written incident report confirming what happened.
• Contact an attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, help you understand your legal options, and advocate for your right to compensation in court or settlement negotiations.

The aftermath of a painful fall can be overwhelming. However, don’t wait too long to seek the help you need. Virginia law has a two-year deadline for taking legal action against negligent property owners. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your opportunity to recover any compensation.

Merrick Brock: Compassionate Advocates for Your Recovery 

A fall can turn your world upside down. Pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next can leave you overwhelmed and paralyzed. That’s where we come in. 

Merrick Brock, PLLC has spent years fighting for Virginians who were hurt in preventable accidents. With our deep knowledge of Virginia injury law and over 25 years of combined experience as litigators, we’re prepared to help you hold negligent property owners responsible and get the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. If you’ve been injured in a slip or trip and fall accident caused by hazardous conditions, Merrick Brock is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Posted In: Personal Injury