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Original poster

Falling over Vs having a fall

105 replies

BuzzyWeeThing · 15/08/2026 08:45

I fell over while at work. It was a bad fall, I was carrying things so I did not put my hands out fully to protect myself. I landed on my face. My DP was phoned and was told I had ‘had a fall’. I’m 45 and fell over, I’m not elderly and had a fall. Word got round work and I’ve had messages saying they’ve heard I’ve had a fall. Grrr I’m feeling old now.

OP posts:
Chaarlene · 15/08/2026 08:56

I agree that 'had a fall' deffo sounds like a crossover to...beginning of the end, loss of mobility, phyisical decline. If you are elderly you absolutely do not want to 'have a fall'.

'Fell over' sounds as if you can likely get up again. Kids 'fall over'. 'He fell over!" - classic playground chant.

However, I think if this occured at work there might be some H&S speak involved (we have training to 'prevent falls'). So they are likely using the language parameters of the workplace for reporting proceedures.

Hope you are OK!

BurnToShine · 15/08/2026 08:55

I too have entered the age of 'having a fall' instead of just falling over. On the bright side, I am starting to care a lot less about what other people think of me and my car insurance renewal was naff all, so there are benefits!

MrsMoastyToasty · 15/08/2026 08:53

The next stage is "having a funny turn"...recovery is aided by "a nice cup of tea and a sit down".

YouSawBrigadoon · 15/08/2026 08:51

This is a conversation my friends and I have had several times. When do you stop ‘falling over’ and start ‘having a fall’? The latter is definitely used for the elderly.

concertinacornflake · 15/08/2026 08:48

You had a fall, it's the term.

You're being oversensitive about the phrase and seem to have a problem with age?

I hope you feel better soon, it can be really unsettling having an accident - at any age.