Slip-and-Fall Cases vs. Trip-and-Fall Cases: Key Differences

Did you know that NSC reported that over 6.9 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2021, including slips, trips, and falls from heights. This shows how frequent and serious these incidents can be.

But when somebody falls and gets hurt, they hardly think of whether they slipped or tripped. The focus is more on injuries and other consequences. However, both cases are treated differently under the eyes of the law.

If you or some of your loved ones have suffered a fall in Sacramento, understanding the difference between a slip-and-fall and a trip-and-fall helps you protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim.

Slip-and-Fall vs. Trip-and-Fall: What’s the Real Difference?

To know what steps to take if you're in a hit-and-run accident, you should first have an idea about what it means and if you're in a similar situation or not. So, here, we've explained it all!

• Slip-and-fall accidents occur when the foot loses traction on a slippery surface, such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, or spills in stores. The person usually falls backward because their leading foot slides unexpectedly forward.
  
• Trip-and-fall accidents happen when the foot strikes or is caught on an object, such as uneven sidewalks, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways. Here, the victim falls forward because their foot is suddenly stopped while the body’s momentum keeps going.
  

What Are the Other Differences Between Slip-and-Fall vs. Trip-and-Fall?

1. Common Causes and Hazards

Because the causes differ, the evidence you must gather and how you frame the hazard will also differ. 

2. Injuries - Same or Different?

3. Legal Differences

Both cases fall under the premises liability claim. Both involve property owners’ responsibility to keep their premises safe, but the evidence you provide differs. That’s why you must know whether your case is “slip and fall” or “trip and fall.”

• In slip-and-fall cases, you must prove that a slippery or low-friction surface existed and that the owner knew or should have known about it but didn’t act in time.
  
• In trip-and-fall cases, the focus is on showing there was an obstruction or uneven surface, like loose tiles, raised thresholds, or clutter that the owner failed to fix or warn about.
  

Any inconsistencies in describing your fall can weaken your case. A skilled Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence, prove negligence, and make sure your story is presented accurately.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Fall?

Even before you call a lawyer, you can take a few steps to protect your rights.

• Immediately visit the nearest medical center, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Whether you fell at the store, workplace, or a friend’s home, make sure the event is documented by management or the property owner.
• Take photos of the scene and hazards, and get the contact details of any witnesses.
• Don’t make statements or social media posts. Insurers may use these against you; always consult a lawyer first.
• Keep records of medical treatment, lost wages, receipts, and invoices.
• Contact an experienced Sacramento slip-and-fall attorney. They can investigate, gather evidence, and strengthen your case.

Commonly Asked Questions