This article focuses on common tools, methods of data collection, and different analyses used in conducting a slip, trip and fall investigation to arrive at causation within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. While many slip, trip and fall investigations are similar, no two are identical. Therefore it would be impossible to address every aspect of their investigation.
Conducting a comprehensive slip, trip and fall investigation is analogous to conducting an experiment following sound scientific protocols. The investigator collects data (case evidence), develops a hypothesis, and conducts an analysis to test the hypothesis. The analysis ultimately allows the investigator to arrive at a conclusion with a reasonable degree of scientific certainty as to the cause of the fall incident. For example, if a fall incident was alleged to be the result of a slippery walking surface due to water contamination, the hypothesis would be: "did the wet surface cause the fall?" The investigator would then collect data in the form of friction measurements. Should the measurements show adequate friction under wet conditions, the hypothesis would not be supported by the data. However, if the friction measurements showed inadequate friction, the hypothesis that the wet floor caused the incident would be ruled in. After other plausible factors are ruled out, the investigator can reach the final conclusion of the wet floor being the cause of the accident.
The following sections discuss various data collection tools and methodologies for conducting a slip, trip, and fall investigation. It is assumed that the reader has a general understanding of the various analyses for which data will be used. Only general references to specific analyses are made since detailed discussions are beyond the scope of this article. References are provided for further detail of these analyses.
Perhaps the most common method of collecting data is photographing the incident site. Photographic documentation has three goals: capture the "big picture," document the specific items of interest, and assess the claimant's view. Photographs provide a means to objectively capture, communicate, and document the entire environment and surroundings of the incident site. They can provide an approximate perspective of what the claimant saw and did not see, as well as detail specific items of interest. The investigator must be aware, however, that site conditions change over time, and photographs taken at the site inspection do not necessarily represent the site on the day of the incident.
Overall scene photographs are taken to capture the "big picture" and should be taken, if possible, prior to any detailed investigative work. Take photographs from as many angles as possible to capture a 360 degree view. Do not just take photographs from the claimant's point of view. For instance, if an incident involves a fall while descending stairs, do not only take photographs looking down the stairs, take photographs from below looking up to get a view of where the person came from.
