Hip Fractures and Slip and Fall Injuries: What You Need to Know

Friday, December 30, 2016

Hip Fractures and Slip and Fall Injuries: What You Need to Know

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Chicago Attorney Serving Elderly Victims of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Hip fractures are very serious injuries, especially for older individuals (those over the age of 65). When a fracture occurs as the result of a slip and fall accident, it can be even more distressing for the victim. Unfortunately, hip fractures are common in the elderly after a slip and fall. If you or a loved one has suffered from one, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if the slip and fall could have been prevented by the property owner.

Falls Are the Leading Cause of Hip Fractures Among the Elderly

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the most common cause of hip fractures in the elderly. Men and women over the age of 65 are at a heightened risk for hip fracture, but also a high risk for falls in the first place. The older a person gets, the higher his or her risk becomes for fractures, as well.

Elderly women, according to the CDC, suffer the most hip fractures because they tend to fall more frequently than their male counterparts. Older women also are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which weakens the bones and makes them brittle – which, in turn, makes them susceptible to fractures.

Complications of a Broken Hip

Even in a young, healthy adult, a broken hip carries numerous risks. The hip joint plays a vital role in a person’s ability to move, so a fracture could immobilize a person.

A victim will know if he or she has broken the hip immediately after the fall, because he or she will be unable to move. The victim may experience severe pain on the side or in the groin area. These fractures typically require a surgical repair and sometimes a replacement of the hip joint. There are life-threatening complications associated with hip fractures that victims may not be aware of, including:

• Reduction of independence. Elderly victims may be unable to care of themselves – even if they did prior to the accident.
• Shorter life span. This is especially true for the elderly. With less mobility, a person may suffer from depression and other medical conditions that shorten lifespan significantly.
• Complications with long-term mobility. For some, the hip fracture may never heal properly, which permanently prohibits a person from moving like he or she once did, or at all. When a patient is bedridden for too long, he or she have a higher risk for developing blood clots, which can be life-threatening.
• Weakened bones and joints. As the patient recovers from a hip fracture, he or she may have weaker bones and joints, which could contribute to another fall in the future.

It Is Imperative You Contact a Slip and Fall Injury Attorney for Your Hip Fracture

If you have suffered from a hip fracture, contact a slip and fall attorney who understands the care and recovery that you will need to get back on your feet once again. The team at Malman Law can help you receive compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Schedule a free consultation with our caring staff today or request more information online.