If you love to dance or run or hike, you’ll appreciate the true impact of a hip injury. The hip is one of those regions in the body you take for granted until it’s injured and no longer properly functioning. When your hip is injured, it can completely turn your life upside down.
Common causes and types of hip injuries
The hip includes the regions on either side of the pelvic bone. The hip bones are made up of:
- The pubis
- The ilium
- The ischium
The joint allows for the movement of the legs in various directions. It also provides stability to the upper body. Because hips are so crucial to you ability to stand up, walk, and run, hip injuries can be debilitating.
Common hip injuries include:
- Arthritis
This is the result of the breakdown of hip tissues. Although often linked with age, it can result from various work tasks and activities that result in applying pressure to the hip joint.
- Hip Pointer
This is an injury that results from the tearing or bruising of the muscles that connect to the tops of the hip (the ileum). The injury may be caused by a fall, blow or a sudden or violent turn or twist of the body.
- Fractures
Hip fractures are common in people who are above the age of 65. They can however, also occur in younger people who are involved in an accident.
Causes of hip injuries
Hip injuries can be caused by motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall incidents as well as injuries while participating in sports such as skiing and basketball.
The value of your hip fracture case
The value of a hip fracture claim will depend on various factors. First, you must consider the full value of your pain and suffering. This increases with the severity of the injury and the measures taken to treat the injury. If your hip injury requires surgery to repair the damage, you are likely to receive higher compensation than for a case that didn’t require surgery. This is because of the increased medical expenses, lost wages as well as the increased pain and recovery time.
The court must also consider the healing process and if there are any resulting disabilities from the injury. Higher awards are given for injuries that heal poorly despite medical intervention and require longer treatment. If you have a really bad hip injury that could result in permanent disability, you will receive higher compensation. The type and number of surgeries are also considered in determining the pain and suffering component of your award.
Injuries requiring hip replacement are often the most serious injuries. These can attract awards as high as several hundred thousand dollars.
Talk to your attorney about your case and how to approach it. Let your attorney know about any preexisting conditions that may reduce the value of your case. An experienced attorney is invaluable in any personal injury case.
