Every year, thousands of people are hospitalized due to slipping and tripping accidents. Many victims are not aware that ‘slip and fall’ and ‘trip and fall’ are two different categories of accidents. This confusion can often lead to inconsistent stories that can hurt the claims. Keep reading to know the difference between slip and fall vs. trip and fall, and how personal injury attorneys can help you receive fair compensation.
Slip and Fall vs. Trip and Fall: What is the Legal Difference?
A slip and fall and a trip and fall are two different types of cases, though they are used interchangeably. A trusted and experienced Milwaukee slip and fall lawyer can help you understand this legal jargon and when to use it to ensure maximum compensation.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is when a person falls due to a slippery surface. Some situations when slip and fall accidents can occur are:
- Ice, rain, or snow on the asphalt or on the sidewalk
- Hard floors that have been waxed or cleaned recently
- Stairs or floors with low friction, like metal stairs
- Wet tiles near swimming pools
- Hard surfaces with water spilled
Slip and fall accidents result in victims falling backwards. They fail to grip the ground, and the feet slide backwards uncontrollably, causing their centre of mass to shift behind and topple backwards. Some of these accidents involve the victim falling backwards in a similar way, resulting in distinct injuries, including bruises, broken bones in the spine, hips, and back of the skull, and nerve damage.
What is a Trip and Fall Accident?
A trip and fall accident is when a person’s foot or leg is injured due to unexpected contact with a hard object on the floor. In this, the person loses balance and falls forward. A trip-and-fall accident can occur due to:
- Objects on the floor, like ropes, brooms, boxes, or construction materials
- Unexpected increase in friction
- Uneven floor tiles or paving stones on the sidewalk
- Stepping on something slippery or unbalanced
Trip and slip accidents commonly occur when the victim does not adjust their balance and falls forward when their legs are unable to restore the balance. People fail to see or misjudge the steps and trip over the objects on the floor. These types of accidents can lead to bruising and broken bones in the hands, knees, face, thumb sprains, and neck injuries.
Slip and Fall vs. Trip and Fall: Why Should You Know the Difference?
In accidental injury cases, the verdict is determined by the specifics of the accident. When telling about the accident, victims should be certain to narrate the story straight and give details descriptive & proper order. They will be asked to repeat the story multiple times throughout, and also as soon as the accident took place.
If the victims fail to stay consistent with their story, the defence will use every chance to prevent them from getting the maximum damages they are entitled to. This is due to the difference between their experience and what the evidence suggests. For example, one claims they tripped at the beginning and then changed the description to a slip, which can create discrepancies.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall/Trip and Fall Accident?
If you have been hurt in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, here is what you should do next:
- The first step is getting medical attention. This will ensure you get the necessary treatment, and also will create medical records that can support your claims.
- Record the location of the accident and report it to the landlord, manager, or supervisor, and get the report well-written in detail.
- Collect witness information like name, phone number, and address, as it can help form a strong case. Also, click a picture of the place where the accident took place.
- Don’t give any statements until you have spoken to your Milwaukee slip and fall lawyer.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the legal complexities of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents.
Contact MacGillis Wiemer, LLC to Fight for Your Rights
If you or your loved ones have been injured in a slip and fall, MacGillis Wiemer, LLC is a leading law firm in Wisconsin that can help you with the legal proceedings. Let us protect you. To schedule an appointment, call us.