The difference between a slip and fall and trip and fall primarily lies in what triggers the fall itself. Because each type of fall occurs in a different way, the injuries may vary somewhat. However, falls can cause a wide range of injuries, and they are unpredictable in many cases. For this reason, there are even similarities in the common injuries that occur.
When it comes to holding the property owner liable for a slip and fall or a trip and fall injury, these cases are legally the same. You will still navigate the same process and need to prove the same things.
Understanding the Causes of Fall Accidents in Los Angeles
When a person falls, they are likely to suffer at least soft tissue injuries and bruising. Falls can also put incredible stress on the parts of the body that hit first, often hands, wrists, or hips. It is also possible to injure joints in a fall, such as your ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, and more. A fall can also cause a head injury or traumatic brain injury if you hit your head. Neck and back injuries are not uncommon.
Any fall can cause devastating injuries, including slips or trips. There is also the possibility of falling from a height. These falls are generally the most damaging.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls occur when the feet slide out from under the body. This usually happens by the feet sliding forward and the upper body falling backward. This means the person will likely either impact their hip, bottom, or back in this type of fall. This is the most likely scenario for a traumatic brain injury or another type of head injury. This also presents the possibility of back injuries, including spinal cord injuries.
Slips most commonly occur because of slick floors. This could mean a spill of liquid, food, or another slippery substance. It could also mean tracked rainwater or slippery flooring.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and falls generally cause people to fall forward. Most people put their hands out in front of them to stop their fall, or they may fall forward onto their knees. This can lead to more hand, arm, and knee injuries than in other types of falls. If they are not able to break their fall, hitting their head may be possible. This may cause facial injuries.
Trip and falls happen for many reasons. Trip hazards may include:
- Items in the walkway
- Cords or other items across the walkway
- Uneven stairs
- Uneven sidewalks or floors
- Holes or broken pavement
- Rolled rugs
- Torn carpet
- Broken tiles
Legal Approaches to Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Cases
While there is a difference between a slip and fall and trip and fall when it comes to mechanics of how the fall occurs, there is little difference in a legal sense. Under California’s premises liability law, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of a trip or slip and fall. California Civil Code (CIV) §1714 outlines the situations when the property owner owes visitors a duty of care. If this statute applies in your case, California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 gives you two years to file a lawsuit.
When it comes to pursuing compensation, you may be able to reach an out-of-court settlement instead of going to trial. Your attorney will still need to prove the same facts, including:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care.
- A hazard was present that the property owner did not address.
- This hazard caused your fall.
- You incurred losses and expenses as a result of the fall.
Talk with Our Los Angeles Premises Liability Team for Free Today
If you suffered injuries in a fall in Los Angeles, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will evaluate your case for free for you today. No matter if you slipped, tripped, or fell from a height, if there was a hazard that the property owner failed to address, you might be able to hold them responsible.
We represent fall injury victims based on contingency. If we accept your premises liability case, you will not need to pay us anything unless we reach a settlement or secure a financial award for you. If we do not win your case, you will not owe our attorney any fees.
To get started, call (800) 223-5115. We can answer your questions and review the details of your case. Take action today to get started. Our team believes you should not have to shoulder the financial burden for injuries and expenses you suffered by no fault of your own.