A broken hip, also known as a hip fracture, is a serious medical condition that occurs when the upper portion of the thigh bone breaks or cracks. Most commonly, it is caused by a fall, particularly in older adults. A broken hip can have significant repercussions, impacting the sufferer’s mobility, independence, and overall health.

If you suffer a broken hip due to someone else’s negligence, you may have legal options to help you avoid financial strain while you recover. Broken hips due to a fall are often the result of property owner or manager negligence, and a Michigan premises liability lawyer can help you file a compensation claim.

The Seriousness of Hip Injuries After a Fall

A broken hip can lead to serious complications like infections, blood clots, and muscle weakness. It can even be life-threatening for older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

The recovery process for a broken hip can last between six and nine months, but it may take longer to regain full mobility, strength, and function in the affected hip joint. It typically involves a combination of surgical intervention, such as internal fixation or total hip replacement, and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Hip injuries also have a high mortality rate, especially for patients over 85. The average mortality rate for a hip fracture is around 18% to 31% after one year. Patients may also never regain full hip joint function, with only 40% to 60% recovering their baseline mobility and up to 60% of previously independent people requiring assistance with at least one daily activity even after recovering from their hip injury.

The attorneys at Fieger Law can help you assess the severity of your hip injury and determine the level of impact it has on your daily activities, so you receive a fair settlement.

Common Causes of Broken Hip Injuries

While falls are the most common cause of hip fractures, there are several other factors that can also lead to severe hip injuries. Frequent causes of broken hips include:

  • Environmental Hazards

Poorly maintained or hazardous environments can significantly increase the risk of falls and hip fractures. This can include wet floors, broken stairs, loose carpeting, cracked pavements, damaged railings, inadequate signage or warnings, and obstructed pathways. Negligence on the part of property owners and managers in maintaining a safe environment can be a contributing factor in falls that cause hip injuries.

  • Insufficient Safety Measures

In workplaces, construction sites, or recreational areas, the absence or inadequate implementation of safety measures can lead to accidents resulting in a broken hip. This can involve inadequate training, lack of proper protective equipment, failure to adhere to safety guidelines or insufficient supervision.

Owner and manager negligence in providing a safe work or recreational environment can expose individuals to unnecessary risks.

  • Negligence in Care Facilities

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. Negligence or inadequate supervision in these care facilities can contribute to falls and hip fractures.

Issues such as inadequate staff-to-resident ratios, lack of proper assistive devices, improper bed or chair heights, and failure to conduct fall risk assessments can all indicate facility owner or manager negligence. 

If you believe negligence resulted in your or your loved one’s hip injury, a lawyer at Fieger Law can help you determine who is liable so you can pursue compensation.

How Working with an Attorney Can Help You Get Full Compensation

Working with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can be instrumental in helping you obtain full compensation for broken hip injuries. When pursuing a legal claim, an experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance and support throughout the process. Benefits of working with an attorney for a slip and fall injury include:

  • Legal Expertise and Guidance

Fieger Law’s personal injury attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of the Michigan legal system. We have a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and precedents pertaining to broken hip injuries. We can assess the specific circumstances of the case, identify potentially liable parties, and develop a strategic legal approach to maximize your chances of obtaining full compensation.

  • Comprehensive Evaluation of Damages

Our attorneys can thoroughly evaluate the damages resulting from a broken hip injury. We can assess both the economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life now and into the future. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that all applicable damages are included in the compensation claim.

  • Gathering Evidence

Our legal team has the resources and expertise to gather crucial evidence to support your claim. We can obtain medical records, accident reports, witness testimonies, surveillance footage, and expert opinions to establish liability and demonstrate the extent of the injury’s impact on your or your loved one’s life. Skillful presentation of evidence strengthens the case and increases the likelihood of obtaining full compensation.

  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are typically involved in personal injury claims, and they may attempt to settle for a lesser amount. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Our knowledge of insurance practices and negotiating tactics allows us to advocate effectively for your rights and pursue the maximum compensation possible.

  • Pursuing Litigation, if Necessary

In cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we can represent your claim in court. We can build a compelling case, present arguments, examine witnesses, and handle all legal proceedings. Having a skilled attorney by your side during litigation increases your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict and securing the compensation deserved.

Protect Yourself If You Are Injured

In the aftermath of a broken hip injury, seeking legal representation from a trusted and experienced law firm such as Fieger Law can make a difference in helping you receive maximum compensation. We can assess the severity of your injury, the costs incurred for treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages and determine the amount you are fairly owed.

Contact Fieger Law for a free consultation and learn whether you can file a claim for your hip injury.