A hip injury can be debilitating due to the impact that it can have on your daily life. Hip injuries are not only painful, they can substantially reduce your mobility which has an impact on your quality of life. While hip fractures as a result of falls are generally more common among older Australians, a hip injury can happen in a number of ways at any time.

For example, hip injuries can happen in the workplace - and in fact, in 2018-19 there were 965 hip injuries claimed among a total of 114,435 injuries. While these figures may not seem high, hip injuries in the workplace do happen, and can be debilitating and require considerable medical treatment and expense. Hip injuries also accounted for 20% of all hospitalisations in Australia 2017-18, and while that figure is not attributable to a specific cause, a proportion of these hip injuries would be attributable to injuries that were not caused by the fault of the person who has been injured.

So, if you have suffered a hip injury in a car accident, in a public place, or while at work, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Whether hip fractures in a vehicle accident, broken hips in a workplace accident, or personal injury claims for a public place injuries, we are here to help. Our personal injury solicitors can assist with your no win, no fee claim for compensation and help you get back on track.

Common hip injuries

Hip injuries are commonly experienced as a result of direct trauma, which is where the hip comes into contact with a static object.

The following are some of the more common hip injuries:

• Hip pointer injury - This refers to a bruise arising from injury to the iliac crest, which is the bone which is along the brim of the hip and pelvis and its surrounding structures. You will sustain a hip pointer injury after a hard blow to the hip, or a fall onto the area.
• Hip flexor injury - Hip flexor injuries can arise after overuse of the hip flexor muscles and tendons. You can also suffer a hip flexor injury after overextending the knee muscles.
• Hip bone injury - An injury to the hip bone generally means a fracture of the hip. While hip fractures are common in older adults, a severe impact (such as that suffered in a car accident) can cause a hip fracture. The risks of hip fractures include a reduction in independence and in extreme cases, the shortening of life.
• Labral tear - This injury is a tear to the labrum which is the soft tissue that covers the hip socket. A labral tear can be caused by injury, or degenerative issues.
• Hip bursitis - The bursa is a fluid-filled sac which cushions the hip joint. If it becomes inflamed it can cause pain and swelling which can interfere with your quality of life.
• Muscle strain - The hip is managed by a number of muscles, which, if strained, can impact on your movement and mobility generally.

You can suffer a hip injury in any number of ways, from slips trips and falls through to road traffic accidents. If you have suffered a hip injury, speak to us about hip injury compensation claims and find out how we can assist you with commencing the claims process.

Common causes of hip injuries

Hip injuries can be sustained through impact to the hip area, or can be as a result of a disease or illness that causes hip degeneration.

Here are some of the most common causes of hip injuries:

• Hip injuries through falls - Falling over is one of the most common ways that people can injure their hips. Falls can happen in any number of ways, but if your fall has been caused as a result of the negligent actions of another person, such as in a carpark or public place that has not been properly maintained, then you may be able to make a claim for compensation for the injury and loss you have sustained. 
• Hip injuries through arthritis - Arthritis is a leading cause of hip injury. Osteoarthritis and hip arthritis can arise due to a range of factors, including previous hip injury and occupation. If an arthritic condition is exacerbated in the workplace you may be able to make a claim for compensation for the cost of treatment or medical expenses.
• Car accident hip injuries - Car accidents are a source of huge trauma to the body. Hip injuries are sadly all too common in car accidents, with drivers and passengers alike at risk of pelvic and hip injuries due to collisions. Cyclists and pedestrians are also at risk if involved in a collision as the impact is potentially even more severe.
• Workplace accident hip injuries - It is possible to suffer a hip injury in the workplace in any number of ways; from falls and slips through to impact from machinery or equipment, and even in a vehicle accident to or from your place of work.

Example: Merida is driving home from work when she is struck from the side of her vehicle by a car running a red light. Merida is seriously injured in the accident and suffers a dislocated hip. Fortunately, her hip is not fractured but Merida does need to take two months off work while she recovers from her injuries. Merida may be entitled to lodge a claim with both WorkCover and the CTP insurer of the vehicle at fault for the accident.

Claiming compensation for a hip injury can be complicated due to the large amount of medical evidence that you may need to compile to show your claim. We can assist with your claim and will ensure that you are supported.

Occupations with High Hip Injury Risks

Hip injuries are more common among certain employment types. These are some of the occupations with a higher risk of hip injury:

• Farmers and agricultural workers - Often lifting heavy items or objects and working on the land, farmers and agricultural workers may be at a higher risk of hip injury from sprains and strains, or impact injury. 
• Construction workers - Construction workers are often working with tools and in higher-risk environments where the potential for traumatic accidents is high. 
• Office workers - Extended periods of sitting can cause hip problems just as much as active professions can, which includes office and administrative workers.
• Drivers - Much like office workers, professional drivers including taxi, rideshare and truck drivers can experience hip-related problems due to a lack of mobility throughout the day.
• Cleaners - Bending, stretching and moving around a lot can cause wear and strain on the hips which can lead to injury.
• Nurses - Nurses can be linked with hip pain due to the labour-intensive tasks undertaken and the long hours spent on their feet.

Accidents at work can cause long-term suffering and pain, but with the right treatment and care you can recover and get back on track. That is where compensation assists. Speak to our accident lawyers for legal advice about your hip injury compensation claim.

How much compensation for a hip injury?

When calculating the amount of compensation for a hip injury, a number of factors are considered which play into the final figure for compensation. Any final compensation figure will subtract an amount paid by WorkCover or social security while a person is unable to work, and may be adjusted to account for certain circumstances.

Compensation for a hip injury claim includes:

• Lost income or wages, including superannuation which may be lost due to the injury
• Loss of future earnings
• Costs of medical expenses and treatment associated with your injury
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Costs of reasonable care in the home
• Reasonable adjustments to your home to accommodate for your injury and possible future impairment
• Costs for future surgery, adjusted based on the likelihood of needing hip surgery

While it is not possible to identify exactly what you may achieve in terms of your claim for compensation, we can assess your potential claim and identify where you may stand in respect of your claim.

Time limits for hip injury compensation

When making a claim for a hip injury you generally have three years from the date your accident or injury occurred to commence a claim for compensation. If you are making a claim under the WorkCover scheme, you must notify your employer of your intent to claim as soon as possible, and commence your claim within six months of your injury.

Certain circumstances exist in which the three year time limit does not apply, or where the time limit can be extended. Read more about time limits for particular situations.

If you are considering making a claim for compensation, speak to a lawyer about your rights and options as soon as you are ready. A quick chat can mean the difference between being barred by a statutory time limit from the potential ability to claim. We can also assess your personal circumstances and help you to discover what your position is with respect to your claim.