What Is The Difference Between A Slip Injury And A Trip Injury?

After an injury, you may need to seek financial recovery in order to settle medical expenses. If so, how the injury was sustained and determining if another’s negligence played a role will be part of the process. If you slip, often it results in a backward fall. But a trip is typically a forward fall. To understand what compensation options you have following a slip or trip injury, connect with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.

Property Owners Must Maintain Safe Spaces

When you are in a public space, such as a restaurant or store, there is an assumption the owner of the property is doing what they can to ensure the space will not cause harm to visitors and guests. This means they are following a schedule of inspections and alert the public when they become aware of a risk. They may post a sign or block an area from use if there is a risk of injury, for example. If they do not, they may be held liable.

Some causes of slips and trips:

• Slick or wet walking surfaces
• Clutter and debris
• Loose flooring or stairs
• Tears in carpeting
• Chipped pavement or uneven gravel
• Hoses, wires, or cables not covered
• Inadequate lighting

When a risk is present, it is possible a person will fall. There could be a wet surface that propels one foot forward, resulting in the person losing their balance and their feet slipping forward while their body falls back. Then, the individual’s head could hit the floor or they may injure their shoulders, elbows, or hands if they attempt to break the fall.

Or, if there was ripped carpeting, the foot could trip on it, leading to a person falling forward. Injuries are possible should a person’s face, chest or head hit the floor.

Indoor and Outdoor Risks

Accident risks could be present within a building or on property grounds outside. Either way, the property owner is responsible for upkeep and maintenance. If it can be proven they were aware of a risk and didn’t take steps to fix it or warn the public, damage recovery is likely.

If you or someone in your family was injured when they slipped or tripped on a Florida property, connect with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney to understand what options are available for you when it comes to a financial settlement. Pushing back on low offers is possible, attorneys are skilled at negotiation with insurance companies and other legal professionals.

Are you recovering from a slip or trip injury? You need a Florida personal injury attorney you can trust. Share the details of your accident injury with the skilled lawyers at Earnhart Law. Once our lawyers are informed on the details of your case, the worth of your claim will be determined and a path forward will be strategized. Our talented lawyers have been protecting personal injury client rights for over 30 years, we know how to secure the compensation you need to be made whole. Call 561-265-2220 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.