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Hip Fracture Attorneys in Illinois

A hip fracture is commonly known as a “broken hip.” Hip fractures are breaks in the thigh bone (femur) typically right below the hip. However, the term hip fracture is generic and refers to a variety of types of fractures that can occur in the same upper quarter part of the femur. Where the break occurs depends on the type of forces involved, for example, either a fall from standing height or a car accident at high speeds. The majority of hip fractures occur in people 65 and older. Younger people can also suffer hip fractures but usually they occur during high force collisions and falls from height. Because of their immobilizing nature and tendency to produce complications, hip fractures are usually severe and can be life threatening. Consequently, older persons with hip fractures have a high death (mortality) rate.

Anatomy and Types of Hip Fractures

The femur contains a head that looks like a ball near your pelvic region. This ball then fits into a socket (ball and socket joint) in the pelvic bone to allow the femur to freely move when you walk. Most hip fractures occur at or near the head of the femur. Another common type of fracture is a femoral neck hip fracture that occurs just below the femur’s head. A fracture can occur just below the neck called an intertrochanteric hip fracture. The femur also contains two protrusions called the greater and lesser trochanters. These bumps on the bone attach muscle and tissue from the thigh and the buttocks.

What are the Causes of Hip Fractures?

Falls usually cause hip fractures. Other causes are from osteoporosis (weaking of the bone with age, malnutrition, or a disorder), and possibly a tumor that weakens the area where the fracture occurs. Highly forceful collisions, such as car accidents or blunt trauma can also cause hip fractures. Stresses of normal activity, such as walking, running or getting in and out of a chair can cause fractures as well.

Work Related Hip Fractures

When you think of high impact collisions you would normally associate them with car accidents and sports. However, a hip fracture can occur during work as a result of a fall. The forces associated with the fall can cause the hip to break in older workers as well as younger workers, especially falls from a great height. Falls from a platform, the seated area of a crane, or if a truck driver falls from the high seated area of a truck are just some examples. Similarly a fracture can occur from being forcefully struck in the hip region with a heavy object such as a metal pole.

Depending on the type and location of the fracture future medical expenses may be awarded. A femoral hip fracture can lead to arthritis and a total hip replacement. If a doctor opines that this is a real possibility, future medical expenses for the total hip replacement can be awarded by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. A hip fracture may cause a person to permanently lose some ability to walk or perform the job they previously held. Thus, future medical expenses related to physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation can be awarded. Similarly, physician follow-up visits and cortisone injections may also be compensable.

What are the Symptoms Hip Fractures?

Pain in the hip area and leg are usually the symptoms most people experience. This is because the bone, where the fracture is located, can move around and cause tissue damage. Some experience weakness in the area, while others experience both. However, just as a hip fracture can occur at different regions on the femur, the actual fracture can take on a variety of forms that lead to different symptoms. The fracture can be a displaced fracture where the bone separates at the point of fracture. Persons with displaced hip fractures cannot walk or stand. The affected leg will appear shorter than the other and the foot will often be turned outward rather than point straight up when the person is laying down.

An intertrochanteric hip fracture can cause a person to lose blood pressure if the fractured portion of the bone damages blood vessels and produces bleeding inside the hip. This bleeding and drop in blood pressure can cause a person to feel dizzy and weak. Furthermore, a large bruise may develop around the hip area.

A femoral neck fracture will often affect the blood supply to the head (ball) of the femur. This lack of blood supply can cause arthritis (degeneration of bone), which manifests as pain and constant discomfort during activity.

Hip fractures are serious and require constant care to facilitate healing. This healing process results in prolapsed periods of immobility, which can cause an individual to forego normal daily activities. This immobility may cause a person to become depressed. Mental abilities can be affected while taking pain medications. Subsequently, older individuals can become confused and disorientated.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip Fractures

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with a hip fracture your physician will first take a thorough medical history. A doctor will usually take multiple x-rays. However if the fracture is small or difficult to locate, the doctor may order a CT scan (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Surgery is usually performed to treat a hip fracture, and pain medications are often prescribed. Surgery usually involves the placement of pins, screws, and plates in the femur to stop the bone from moving at the specific fracture site. The bone then can fuse back together. Typically, a person can walk on the leg a few days or even immediately after surgery; however a walker is almost always used. Sometimes if the femoral head and socket has become irreversibly arthritic, the femoral head, neck, and socket can be totally replaced (total hip replacement) by using a medically manufactured neck, ball, and socket that is screwed into the shaft of the femur.

Attorney’s fees

If your hip injury is work related, your attorney should work on a contingency basis. This means that you will not pay any attorneys’ fees unless you obtain a recovery. Also, your attorneys should advance all of the associated costs of the litigation. You should not be paying anything out of pocket. If you win, all fees, costs and expenses will come from the recovery amount.

Choosing an Attorney

We know numerous attorneys throughout the state who have great experience with workers compensation cases. This is why people come to us. If you have acquired a hip fracture, any attorney that we recommend will have handled multiple hip fracture and workers’ compensation cases in past. This doesn’t guarantee a result, but does give you the best chance for a successful result.

If you would like our help in finding a law firm in Illinois, please contact us at (800) 517-1614. We will speak with you for free and do whatever we can to help you. All calls are free and confidential.