When someone is injured on another person's property, understanding the specific type of fall that occurred is crucial for building a strong legal case. While many people use the terms "trip" and "slip" interchangeably, these incidents have distinct characteristics that can significantly impact how a personal injury case is handled. At Irons & Irons P.A., our experienced North Carolina personal injury attorneys understand these critical differences and how they affect your right to compensation.
While both types of falls can result in serious injuries, trip and fall accidents and slip and fall accidents involve distinctly different mechanisms that affect both how the accident occurs and the resulting injuries.
A trip and fall occurs when a person's foot meets resistance from an obstacle, causing forward and outward momentum that results in a fall. Common scenarios can include:
In trip and fall accidents, victims typically fall forward because they cannot bring their other foot forward in time to prevent the fall.
Slip and fall accidents occur when there is a loss of friction between a person's foot and the walking surface. These accidents typically result in the victim falling backward as their center of mass shifts behind them. Common causes can include:
The direction of the fall often determines the types of injuries sustained, making it crucial for medical and legal documentation.
Under North Carolina premises liability law, property owners and occupiers have a duty of care to maintain their premises in a way that ensures it's free of conditions that may cause harm or injury to visitors. This includes:
Importantly, failure to inspect the premises does not count as a defense to liability. Property owners can be held liable for any hazard they knew about or should have reasonably known about through regular inspections.
Falls can occur anywhere, but some locations see higher frequencies of these incidents:
If you've been injured in either type of fall, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for protecting your legal rights. First, report the accident to the property owner to establish an official record of the incident. While at the scene, document everything by taking photographs of the area, including any hazards or conditions that may have contributed to your fall.
If anyone witnessed your accident, obtain their contact information as their testimony could be valuable to your case. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and medical documentation is crucial for your claim.
During this time, take care to avoid making any statements about the cause of the accident to property owners or insurance companies. Instead, contact an experienced fall injury attorney who can protect your interests and guide you through the legal process.
Having an experienced attorney is crucial for several reasons:
At Irons & Irons P.A., our experienced attorneys understand the nuances between different types of fall accidents and how these differences affect your case. We have successfully represented numerous clients in fall-related injuries across North Carolina, securing the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our commitment to clients includes:
If you've been injured in a trip and fall or slip and fall accident in North Carolina, don't wait to seek legal help. The attorneys at Irons & Irons P.A. are ready to evaluate your case and fight for your rights. We serve clients throughout North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, Wilmington, Asheville, Winston-Salem, and surrounding areas.
Contact us at (252) 215-3000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Remember, you only pay if we win your case.