A hip fracture is a serious injury involving a break in the upper part of the femur, or thigh bone. Although hip fractures are especially common among older adults, they can affect people of any age after a severe fall, car accident, or other traumatic event.
Treatment often involves surgery followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. A hip fracture can also result in significant medical expenses, missed work, reduced mobility, and lasting changes to a person’s independence.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the upper end of the femur connects to the pelvis. A hip fracture occurs when the upper portion of the femur breaks.
Two of the most common forms are femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric fractures. The location and severity of the break can affect the treatment a patient needs.
What Are the Types of Hip Fractures?
Common hip fractures include:
- Femoral neck fractures: These occur just below the ball at the top of the femur.
- Intertrochanteric fractures: These occur farther down the upper femur, between the greater and lesser trochanters.
- Subtrochanteric fractures: These develop below the trochanters in the upper portion of the femur.
Doctors typically use X-rays and, in some cases, additional imaging to identify the location and extent of a fracture.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture may cause severe pain and make it difficult or impossible to walk or place weight on the injured leg.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Pain in the hip or groin
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Limited movement
- Difficulty standing or walking
- A leg that appears shortened or positioned abnormally
Anyone who suspects a fracture after a fall or other serious accident should seek prompt medical care. Fractures are generally diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Hip Fracture?
Recovery from a hip fracture can take months. Many hip fractures require surgery, and some patients need a temporary stay at a rehabilitation center before returning home. Walking aids such as crutches or a walker may also be necessary during recovery.
Complications can include blood clots, infections, pressure sores, and problems caused by extended inactivity. Some people also experience lasting mobility limitations or need help completing everyday activities.
What Causes Hip Fractures?
Falls are a leading cause of hip fractures, particularly among older adults. However, these injuries can also result from high-impact trauma.
Potential causes include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Workplace accidents
- Sports and recreational accidents
Osteoporosis can also increase the likelihood of fractures because it weakens bones and makes them more vulnerable to injury.
How Are Hip Fractures Treated?
Treatment depends on the fracture’s location, the patient’s health, and other factors. Many hip fractures require surgery.
Surgical options can include screws, plates, or rods that stabilize the broken bone. In some cases, doctors may recommend a partial or total hip replacement. The specific procedure needed depends on the type of fracture and the patient’s overall health.
Physical therapy is often an important part of recovery. Patients may work on rebuilding strength, improving balance, and gradually returning to daily activities.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hip Fracture Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia generally gives an injured person two years to bring an action for personal injuries under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If you miss the deadline in your case, you may lose your right to recover any compensation for your losses.
Exceptions and different deadlines can apply depending on the circumstances. Investigating a personal injury case also takes time that you may not have if you wait too long to pursue a claim. Because missing an applicable deadline can prevent a claim from proceeding, injured people should promptly obtain case-specific information from an attorney.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover for a Hip Fracture?
When another person or business is legally responsible for an accident, an injured person may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Potential economic damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages may account for consequences such as physical pain, emotional suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The compensation available depends on the facts of the individual case and the evidence establishing both liability and damages.
Contact an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
A hip fracture can require surgery, rehabilitation, and months of recovery. If your injury occurred because of someone else’s negligence in Atlanta, Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances and explain the options that may be available.
Contact our Atlanta personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we may be able to help after a serious hip fracture.
