Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of personal injury accidents. Every day, someone is injured and taken to a hospital as a result of a serious slip and fall. Even minor slips and falls that do not require hospitalization can still cause lasting problems for victims. Those who are injured in slip-and-fall accidents must understand how to protect themselves from insurance companies and others who may try to downplay the seriousness of their claims and deny them the compensation they need to pay for their medical bills and other expenses.
The Three Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
While the term “slip and fall” accident has come into common usage as an overall term for any type of falling incident, there are actually three distinct types of accidents that can occur when someone falls and sustains an injury. These accidents can be divided into slips, trips and falls.
- A slip accident occurs when someone’s foot slides along a level surface, causing him or her to lose balance and fall forward or backward. One of the most common examples of a slipping accident would be sliding on a wet floor that was not clearly marked and falling to the ground.
- A trip accident occurs when someone’s forward or backward motion is interrupted by an object, causing the person to lose his or her balance and fall. Tripping often happens when someone stumbles over a rip in carpet, buckled flooring, or broken concrete.
- A fall accident happens when someone falls from one level to another. Falls can occur upward or downward and can occur in combination with a slip or trip. However, true falls often occur when someone falls from one height to a lower level. The larger the difference in height between the two levels, the more likely it is that serious injury will occur.
What Should I Do If I Suffer a Slip, Trip, or Fall Accident?
The first thing you should do after a slip, trip, or fall accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you are certain that you are not seriously hurt, it pays to get a medical opinion. After all, many injuries from falls take time to present themselves and often appear days after the initial accident.
Once you have been examined by a doctor, the next thing to do is, if possible, to take photos of the area where the fall occurred, or have someone do this for you. It is very important to have documentation of what caused your fall, especially if it is something that is likely to be removed quickly, such as a spill on the floor. Ask any witnesses to your fall for their names and contact information, as well.
Finally, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. At Barber & Associates, we have been representing fall victims for many years, and we understand how to handle cases in order to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Give us a call today so that we can get to work helping you!