Trip and fall and slip and fall accidents can lead to serious and permanent injury. It is important to know the difference between these two common types of accident, which can occur anywhere from the workplace to private homes. Learning the correct terminology will help you to accurately relay your story to your lawyer. Whether an accident is a slip and fall, or a trip and fall, may affect how a case is approached.
Slip and falls are caused by wet or slippery ground, such as slipping on ice, and happen when there is too little friction or traction between your feet and the ground. Trip and falls are caused by objects or uneven surfaces, and occur when your feet collide with an object, causing a loss of balance. Whether a slip or a trip, the majority of falls occur on the same level, rather than falling from a height.
It is important to take the following steps after a slip and fall or trip and fall accident:
- Take pictures of the location;
- Speak to any witnesses and ask for their contact information;
- Seek medical attention (e.g. call an ambulance, visit the emergency room or make an appointment with your family doctor, depending on the severity of your injuries); and
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
Whether the accident occurred at work, in a public location, or at a private residence, if you suffered injuries you may be entitled to compensation. Slip and fall and trip and fall accident victims can file a claim in Ontario under the Occupier’s Liability Act. Under the Occupier’s Liability Act, an “occupier” is a person in physical possession of the premises, or a person who has responsibility for and control over the condition of the premises or the activities there carried on, or finally, control over persons allowed to enter the premises. Pursuant to the Act, an occupier of premises owes a duty to take such care to see that persons entering on the premises, and the property brought on the premises by those persons, are reasonably safe while on the premises.
The location of your accident will have a significant impact on the steps you must take, especially if the accident occurred on municipal property. That is why it is extremely important you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.
For more information, visit our slip and fall section. If you have any questions, book a free consultation or call 1-855-446-7765 for immediate assistance.
