Aside from motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents are the second most common personal injury claims that are brought in the United States. For purposes of reference, trip-and-fall accidents are also grouped into the slip-and-fall category. Nearly all of the injuries that victims suffer in slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents are different. According to the Denver Colorado injury attorneys at McDermott Law, here’s a reason for that. In a slip-and-fall, the victim almost always falls backward. In a trip-and-fall, he or she almost always falls forward.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries
A slip is usually caused by moisture or a slippery substance on a walking surface. A loss of friction with the walking surface causes the victim’s foot to slip forward and up. Here are some common slip-and-fall injuries:
- Bruising to the back of the head and skull fractures.
- Injuries to the neck and cervical spine, including the spinal cord.
- Strains and sprains of the upper, middle and lower back.
- Shoulder fractures, dislocations and tears.
- Hip fractures, especially when the elderly are victims.
- Spinal disc herniations.
Trip-and-Fall Injuries
A trip is usually caused by objects protruding on a walkway, uneven walking surfaces or fixed objects. When walking, the victim’s foot is met by resistance from an object. That causes the victim’s heel to fly out backward and up. The victim falls forward. Here are some common trip-and-fall injuries:
- Head injuries and facial fractures.
- Dental injuries and fractures.
- Hand, wrist and elbow fractures.
- Injuries to the knees.
After being injured in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, it’s important that your injuries be documented. Medical attention should be sought immediately, and photos of where the fall occurred must be taken. If there are visible signs of an injury, photos should be taken of those too.
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall, contact our Denver Colorado Injury attorneys at McDermott Law to arrange for a free consultation and case review.