Hip fractures are a common result of accident trauma. Such fractures occur more frequently in senior citizens than any other age group.
Such fractures often occur in places where senior citizens reside such as nursing homes. Such injuries are crippling and can result in lifelong complications.
A hip fracture usually requires surgical care or replacement followed by extensive physical therapy.
In this article, you will discover:
- The different types of hip injuries common to accident victims.
- The legal significance of these injuries.
SIGNS OF A HIP FRACTURE
There are several signs that point to a hip fracture. Sometimes it is not obvious that a hip fracture has occurred. If you experience any of the following after a hip injury, there is a significant chance that you have fractured your hip:
- Not able to get up after a fall;
- Severe hip or groin pain;
- Inability to put weight on the leg nearest the injury;
- Outward turning of the leg.
An x-ray can confirm whether you have suffered a fractured hip.
COMPLICATIONS OF HIP FRACTURES
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the top medical centers in the USA, about half of the people who fracture their hip can no longer live alone.
In addition, the following complications are common:
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Bedsores
- Pneumonia
- Loss of muscle mass
COMMON LOCATIONS OF HIP FRACTURES
The most common place where hip fractures occur is at or near the junction of your hip and leg.
SURGICAL REPAIR
As most hip fractures require surgery, it is important to know the 3 types of surgery most common for hip fractures:
- Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). ORIF surgery is opening of the skin, alignment of the broken pieces, and then the insertion of screws to hold everything together. Sometimes a metal plate is also inserted.
- Total hip replacement. This requires removal of part of your upper leg bone (femur) and the hip socket. These are replaced with artificial parts.
- Partial hip replacement. This surgery does not require replacement of the socket part of the hip but is otherwise similar to a total hip replacement.
LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS
- If you have suffered a hip fracture due to an accident, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for your pain, suffering, disability, impairment, and loss of the enjoyment of life.
- You may seek additional compensation if you are unable to work or have unreimbursed medical expenses.
- Hip fractures are considered very serious injuries by insurance companies and can result in significant financial legal recoveries.
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The Kronberg Law Firm is very experienced with such injuries and we have the background, knowledge, and experience to successfully resolve these cases.
Please call or text us at (973) 204-6573 for a free initial consultation.
