Is a Florida Slip Injury the Same as a Trip Injury?

There are differences between a slip and fall accident and a trip and fall accident. In both situations injuries are possible, and when they do there are legal paths to compensation. After all, a Florida property owner is responsible for keeping their building, and the grounds surrounding the building, safe for public use.

Overall, a slip and fall event is an accident as a consequence of a surface that is slippery and a trip and fall event is when a person is unable to recover when they physically trip over a hazard. How you are injured will impact your case. Connect with a Florida personal injury lawyer to learn about what options are available.

Types of Slip and Fall Accidents

A property owner may be negligent if an individual slips due to a slippery surface on a walking area that should be dry. This could include one or more of the following.

• Mopped or waxed floors that have not dried
• Rain soaked pavement or walkway
• Bathrooms with moisture settled on floor
• Oil spills and slick surfaces
• Surfaces that are wet from spilled drinks or foods

In order for a personal injury claim to be successful, it has to be clear the risk was known by the property owner or manager or that the hazard existed for a long enough period of time that it should have been known. For example, if a bucket of mop water recently spilled, it is known that it should be cleaned up right away, or clearly marked as a hazard until clean up is possible. If it is not cleaned up or the public is not properly alerted of the hazard, the property owner could be held accountable for the expenses connected to a resulting injury.

Trips Can Result In a Variety of Injuries

If there is a broken sidewalk or a tear in carpeting, a person can trip and fall. As result, bones break, ankles twist, and victims can suffer ligament and muscle tears. Doctor care is needed, to both assess these injuries, do proper testing, and develop a treatment plan. All of this medical care can result in high medical expenses and lost income from missed work days.

A Florida personal injury lawyer can help if you are recovering from an injury due to falling on a slippery surface or tripping on an uneven walkway. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties. When injuries occur because of a person or entity behaving recklessly, compensation is likely. An experienced attorney can help you gather the documentation needed to prove negligence.

Were you injured when you slipped on a Tampa floor or tripped on a Clearwater walkway? Injuries are emotionally upsetting and physical recovery can be long and expensive. When a victim is overwhelmed, it can be difficult to navigate a personal injury claim. The attorneys at Roman & Roman can help you understand your rights and move toward damage recovery. Schedule your free consultation today. We serve clients in Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa areas as well as throughout the State of Florida.