Difference Between Slip and Fall-Trip and Fall Accidents

Introduction

It will not be considered wrong if we say that majority of the people in this world- at some point in their lives- have had these minor trip and fall or slip and fall accidents. However, these minor accidents can sometimes turn out to be more deteriorating to us than anticipated.

There are not many people that would be able to tell the difference between slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. They may sound similar, and maybe they have similar effects too. Nonetheless, there are differences between the two, and a person should be able to distinguish between the two. 

After reading this article, you would be able to do just that. Furthermore, this article will also tell you the potential injuries that can be caused in both cases. So, without any further delay, let’s learn. 

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents happen to take place when a certain individual falls over while walking on a slippery surface. When there is not much friction between your feet and the floor, there are chances of slip and fall accidents. Surfaces that have recently been polished or cleaned become frictionless. Hence, slip and fall accidents take place when someone walks over them. Icy surfaces are also notorious fall causing slip and fall accidents. Several cases are reported in the winter season. It is more likely for a person to fall on their back in case of slip and fall accidents.

Following are a few injuries that can be caused by slip and fall accidents:-

1) Sprained Wrists

When a person falls in case of a slip accident, their natural instinct is to throw their hands at the back so that they can reduce the impact of the fall by making their wrists bear some impact. That is why many people, in the process, sprain their wrists.

2) Brain Damage

As said earlier, in most cases, a person falls on their back when it comes to slip and fall accidents. If a person is not able to judge their fall, they can fall on their head and could suffer a brain injury as well, which could be life-threatening. MRIs should be performed to make sure.

3) Spine Injury

Depending on the impact of your fall, spine injuries can take place in case of slip and fall accidents. If you experience back pain for a long period after your fall, professional help is needed.

Trip and Fall Accidents

Trip and fall accidents mostly occur when a person trips over a certain object on the ground or floor and fall over. In most cases of trip and fall accidents, a person would fall on their face, which could be troublesome. Following are a few injuries that can be caused when a trip and fall accident takes place:-

1) Arm/Wrist fracture

As discussed earlier, when a person falls- their natural instinct is to extend their arms forward or backwards depending on the fall- to reduce the impact of the collision. This may cause fractures of the arm or wrists. Calling for help must be your first priority.

2) Broken Nose

Falling upon your face can easily break your nose in case of trip and fall accidents. A broken nose can be painful, and you can lose a lot of blood in this injury. Hence, immediate professional help is required.

3) Cuts

Tripping over an object and falling can cause some cuts on different parts of your body depending on the surface you’re falling on and the object you have been tripped over from. Cover the cuts with a clean cloth to prevent infections.