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The Differences Between Slip & Fall and Trip & Fall 

Landry Law, P.C. Oct. 22, 2022

Fall-related accidents – such as "slip and falls" and "trip and falls" – are among the major causes of unintentional injuries and emergency room visits in Colorado and across the United States. While most people often use these terms interchangeably, they are considered different types of accidents in the personal injury space. A practiced Colorado personal injury attorney can inform you about the differences between "slip and fall" and "trip and fall" accidents.  

At Landry Law, P.C., we have the resources and compassion to help you after a fall injury claim. Our trusted attorney can review the facts of your incident, determine the type of fall accident you suffered, and analyze your legal options to pursue compensation. Our firm proudly serves clients across Lone Tree, Trinidad, Castle Rock, and Denver, Colorado. 

Slip & Fall 

A slip and fall is a fall-related accident that occurs when someone slips due to a wet or slippery surface. The slippery nature of the surface or floor causes the victim to lose friction with the floor. In a slip-and-fall accident, the victim's foot slips either upward or forward while they fall backward. 

Examples of Slip & Fall Accidents 

Furthermore, a slip-and-fall accident may be caused by ice, water, loose mats, oil spills, or a recently mopped or waxed floor. The following may lead to a slip-and-fall accident: 

  • A poor or inadequate lighting system 

  • Leaving debris or dirt on the floor 

  • Poor choice of flooring materials 

  • Leaking water from coolers or refrigerators 

  • Not installing warning signs of a slippery floor 

  • Leaving oil spills on the floor 

A knowledgeable Colorado premises liability attorney can investigate the details of your case and determine how to proceed with your slip and fall claims. 

Trip & Fall 

Conversely, a trip and fall is a fall-related accident that occurs when a person's foot strikes an obstacle or collides with a fixed object, thereby causing the person to lose balance, trip and fall. In a trip-and-fall accident, the victim trips and falls forward or outward. 

Examples of Trip & Fall Accidents 

The incidents below may cause a trip and fall accident: 

  • Uneven or irregular floor surfaces which result in a fall 

  • Your foot gets caught under an obstacle or item left on the floor. 

  • Your foot getting caught under a torn foot mat, rug, or carpet 

  • Stepping over a fixed object 

A strategic Colorado trip and fall accident attorney can review every aspect of your personal situation and help file your trip and fall accident claim. 

Fall-Related Injuries 

Additionally, trip-and-fall and slip-and-fall accidents usually result in different types of injuries. These include: 

Trip & Fall Injuries 

  • Broken teeth 

  • Facial injuries 

  • Knee injuries 

  • Bruises on the hands, shins, face, and knees 

  • Foot injuries 

  • Elbow injuries 

  • Fracture of the arm or hand. 

Slip & Fall Injuries 

  • Hip injuries 

  • Neck injuries 

  • Tailbone fractures 

  • Fractures 

  • Spinal cord injuries 

  • Traumatic brain injuries 

  • Head injuries 

  • Sprained ankles 

A skilled personal injury attorney can enlighten you about the next steps after a fall accident, evaluate the full magnitude of your injuries, and help file your injury claims. 

What to Do After an Accident 

The period after a fall-related accident or injury can be very confusing and unsettling. However, the steps you take – or fail to take – can have a huge impact on the outcome of your injury claims. When involved in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, you should take the following steps, where possible: 

  • Get immediate medical attention from a qualified physician for your injuries. 

  • Report the fall accident to the business owner or property owner. 

  • Collect relevant information about the property owner and witnesses, such as their names, phone numbers, addresses, and emails. 

  • Document witness statements and testimonies, and photos of the obstacles, wet floor, or other conditions that led to your fall injuries or accident. 

  • Do not give any statement to the business owner or property owner. 

  • Notify your insurance provider about the fall accident. 

  • Hire an experienced attorney to help file your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance carrier. 

If you or someone close to you were hurt in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, you need to reach out to a dependable personal injury attorney right away. 

Look to Compassionate Legal Advice 

Getting injured in a fall-related accident on another person's property can be difficult and emotional. Thankfully, victims of fall accidents may be eligible to seek compensation from the property owner through premises liability claims. However, you need to identify the type of fall accident you suffered to determine the right injury claims to file and establish liability.  

At Landry Law, P.C., we have everything necessary to help you look toward a brighter future after an injury. Whether you are seeking financial compensation for your trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall injuries, we can guide you through the challenging claims process. Our reliable lawyer will battle for your legal rights and help you pursue the financial justice you deserve.  

Contact Landry Law, P.C. today to arrange a case evaluation with an experienced fall accident attorney. Our legal team has the comprehensive skills and personalized representation you need in your fall accident claims. We're proud to represent clients across Lone Tree, Trinidad, Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Denver, and Douglas County, Colorado.