What Is the Difference Between Slips, Trips, and Falls?

Posted in Slip and Fall Accidents on August 16, 2022

The National Safety Council reports that in 2020, approximately 800 workers died in a fall accident. This included 136 workers who fell “at level,” meaning they fell after a slip or trip. An additional estimated 211,000 workers were injured in fall accidents and needed time off to recuperate.

These numbers represent just a small fraction of the total number of slip, trip, and fall accidents that occur each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately three million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries.

Whether in the workplace, at business establishments, or around the home, slip, trip, and fall accidents can lead to injuries and death.

Slip and Trip Accidents Explained

You, like others, may consider slips and trips to describe the same sort of accident. And while each may lead to a fall and further injuries, slips and trips may have different causes. Not only this, but slips and trips cause the body to react in different ways.

A slip occurs when the surface below your foot is slippery or when your foot cannot get enough traction. As a result, your foot slides across the surface without propelling you forward. When your foot slides, it leaves you off balance.

When you slip and your foot slides behind you, your body may attempt to compensate by taking an extra step with your free foot. You may also stretch out your hands to balance and brace yourself.

If your foot slides forward, you will fall backward. Your body will naturally try to land on your hips and buttocks, but this will not always be possible.

Conversely, a trip occurs when some obstruction prevents your foot from moving forward and taking a step naturally. Your body will respond to a trip hazard by attempting to quickly take another step. You may stumble and stretch your hands out in front of you to brace against a fall.

Distinguishing a Fall from Slips and Trips

Falls occur when you make forcible and involuntary contact with a surface below you. The surface may be no lower than the floor you are walking on, or it may be several feet below you.

While slips and trips may lead to a fall, this is not always the case. For example, a fall would still occur if you lost your footing on a ladder and dropped from a height to the floor below.

The consequences of a fall can be severe, whether caused by a slip, a trip, or some other circumstance. If you can brace yourself before you fall, you may sprain or break your wrist or arm.

Falling on your hips or buttocks can result in harm that can impact your mobility. Falling forward and onto your knees can cause damage to these important body parts.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Carry a High Risk of Head Injuries

One of the largest dangers of any slip, trip, or fall accident is the potential for head injuries. Even a head injury following an “at level” fall can cause a concussion, and falls from greater heights can result in correspondingly greater harm.

It may be worthwhile to seek medical attention whenever you or a loved one strike your head after a slip, trip, or fall. This is especially advisable if you lose consciousness for any period of time. If your head sustains a concussion or other injury, obtaining prompt medical care is essential for mitigating any harm you might sustain.

Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Law Firm in New York, NY

If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City slip and fall accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #409
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600