Slip and fall accidents and trip and fall accidents might sound the same, but they’re actually different in how they happen, the types of injuries they cause, and how the law looks at them. Knowing the difference can help if you or someone you love gets hurt in one of these accidents.

What’s the Difference Between a Slip and Fall and a Trip and Fall?

A slip and fall happens when your foot slides out from under you, usually because the surface is slippery. This can cause you to fall backward. Common causes include wet floors, spills, ice, or smooth surfaces without enough traction.

A trip and fall happens when your foot hits something and you fall forward. This could be caused by an uneven sidewalk, a loose rug, or an object left in a walkway.

The difference in how the fall happens also affects the injuries you might get and how a legal claim might be handled.

How Each Type of Fall Happens

Slip and fall accidents usually happen because the surface is slick or slippery. You might be walking through a grocery store and slip on a wet floor, or you could lose your footing on icy steps.

Trip and fall accidents usually happen when something blocks your path or the ground surface changes unexpectedly. You might trip over a broken curb, a cracked sidewalk, or wires left on the ground.

In a slip and fall, people often fall backward. In a trip and fall, they usually fall forward.

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

When someone slips and falls backward, common injuries include:

• Sprained ankles or wrists

• Shoulder dislocations

• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord or nerve damage

• Hip or tailbone fractures

Falling backward makes it more likely that the head, back, or lower body will be injured.

Common Injuries from Trip and Fall Accidents

When someone trips and falls forward, they may land on their hands, knees, or face. This can lead to:

• Bruises on the face, hands, and knees

• Broken or chipped teeth

• Skinned knees or elbows

• Broken wrists, arms, or fingers

• Neck injuries from the impact

Falling forward often causes injuries to the upper body, including the face and arms.

How Common Are Slip and Trip and Fall Accidents?

Falls are one of the most common ways people get injured in public or at work. Here are some important facts:

• Around 17,000 people in the U.S. die from fall-related injuries each year.

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents make up 15% of all work-related injuries.

• They cause 12% to 15% of workers’ compensation claims.

• More than 2 million people are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall-related injuries.

• Over 45% of traumatic brain injuries come from slip or trip and fall accidents.

• More than 110,000 foot or toe injuries in the workplace happen because of falls.

• In nursing homes, over 1,800 deaths happen each year from falls.

• Among adults 45 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death.

Falls happen often and can be very serious, especially for older adults or workers in dangerous conditions.

What to Do After a Slip or Trip and Fall Accident

If you fall and get hurt, the steps you take afterward can make a big difference. Here’s what to do:

1. Get Medical Attention
   See a doctor, even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away.

2. Report the Fall
   If you’re in a store, restaurant, or public place, tell the manager or owner. Ask them to write a report and get a copy if you can.

3. Take Photos
   Take pictures of the scene, the floor or surface, and anything that caused the fall. Try to do this before anything is cleaned up or moved.

4. Get Witness Information
   If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number.

5. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Right Away
   Avoid giving a statement to any insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. What you say could affect your claim.

6. Describe It as a Fall
   Whether you slipped or tripped, describe it as a “fall accident” unless you’re sure which kind it was. Let your lawyer help sort that out.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Slip and trip and fall accidents often fall under something called premises liability. This means that property owners are expected to keep their property safe. If they don’t fix a hazard or warn people about it, and someone falls, they could be legally responsible.

You can file a claim against:

• Private businesses (like stores or restaurants)

• Landlords or property managers

• Public entities (like the city, if the fall happened on a public sidewalk or street)

You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How a Lawsuit Works

If you’re hurt in a fall caused by someone else’s unsafe property, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit. This starts with gathering evidence, like medical records and photos of the accident scene. Then your attorney may try to negotiate a settlement with the other party. If a fair deal can’t be reached, the case may go to court.

Lawsuits can take time, but they can also help you get the money you need to recover.

Call D2 Law for Help After a Fall

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you act, the better chance you have to collect the evidence you need and protect your rights. Call D2 Law at (800) 790-5641 to talk with a lawyer today. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.