Trip and fall accidents and slip and fall accidents are both types of premises liability accidents that can result in serious injuries. While trip and falls and slip and falls are similar, there are some differences between the two types of personal injury accidents.
What Are Trip and Fall Accidents?
These accidents occur when a person’s foot strikes an object or obstacle on the ground, causing them to lose balance and fall.
Common causes include:
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Protruding objects
- Loose floorboards or carpeting
- Debris or clutter in walkways
Trip and falls are commonly caused by a hazard that obstructs the pedestrian’s path, leading to a stumble or fall.
What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents occur when a person loses footing due to a slippery surface, causing them to fall.
Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors due to spills, leaks, or freshly mopped surfaces
- Icy or snowy walkways.
The main cause of a slip and fall is the condition of the walking surface, which reduces traction and causes the person to lose balance.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident
After experiencing a trip and fall or slip and fall accident, to protect your health and legal claim, you should take the following steps:
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen without treatment.
Report the Incident
If the accident occurred on someone else’s property, such as a store, restaurant, or public facility, report the incident to the property owner, manager, or staff member immediately.
Gather Evidence
If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused the fall, including any spilled liquids, uneven surfaces, or other hazards.
Obtain Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their names and contact information.
Preserve Evidence
Preserve any clothing or footwear worn at the time of the accident. These pieces of evidence may contain the substance that caused the slip or trip. Keep any medical records, bills, or documentation related to your injuries and treatment.
Notify Insurance Providers
If the accident occurred on someone’s property, notify your insurance provider as well as the property owner’s insurance company. However, avoid giving a statement or discussing the accident with insurance adjusters.
Contact a Trip and Fall Lawyer
Contact a trip and fall lawyer who has experience handling slip and fall or trip and fall cases. An attorney can advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and related damages.
Do I Need to Hire a Trip and Fall Lawyer?
While you are not required by law to hire an attorney, working with a trip and fall lawyer can be invaluable after an accident. During this difficult time, a trip and fall lawyer will handle every aspect of your case, including investigating the accident, gathering evidence to support your case, and fighting for your right to fair compensation.
When you work with a trip and fall lawyer at Child & Jackson Personal Injury Lawyers, you can feel confident that your case is in the very best hands. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, our legal team will go above and beyond to fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in a trip and fall accident that was caused by dangerous or hazardous conditions on someone’s property, contact Child & Jackson Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free legal consultation. Our trip and fall lawyers have decades of experience fighting insurance companies for the compensation our clients deserve and can provide the dedicated and knowledgeable legal guidance and advice you need during this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule your free legal consultation.
Learn More → trip and fall accident lawyer
