“Slip and fall” is often used as a catch-all term, but from an expert perspective, slips and trips are very different events—and that distinction matters.
A slip typically involves a loss of traction: wet floors, grease, smooth surfaces.
A trip usually involves an obstacle: uneven flooring, cords, merchandise, floor transitions.
As a Retail Expert Witness, I analyze these cases differently. Each type of incident points to different responsibilities, maintenance failures, and design considerations.
For example:
- Slips often raise questions about cleaning procedures and floor materials
- Trips often focus on layout, sightlines, and housekeeping standards
Understanding the mechanics of the fall helps attorneys evaluate liability more accurately and anticipate defense arguments.
I regularly assist law firms across the U.S. with these distinctions through inspections, depositions, and testimony. You can see where I’ve worked here: https://expertretailwitnesses.com/clients/
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