Hip Injury Claims

Hip injuries can be sustained by people of all ages and in many different situations. With elderly and more fragile people, the cause of a hip injury is more likely to be general wear and tear or a slip, trip and fall. Younger people tend to be injured following a sporting incident, workplace accident or road traffic collision.

Regardless of the type of accident you have had, if you can prove that your injury was due to the negligence of somebody else, you may be eligible to make a hip injury claim. An experienced solicitor could help you recover damages for pain, suffering and any related financial losses you incurred.

To start a claim today or find out more about how much compensation you could be entitled to, call 0800 470 0474 for a free case assessment with a legal adviser. If you would prefer to receive a call back, enter your details here to receive a phone call with no obligation to proceed.

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Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a hip injury compensation claim?
• Evidence to support a hip injury claim
• Symptoms and long-term effects of hip and pelvis injuries
• Common Types of Hip Injury
  • Hip Fractures
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Muscle and Ligament Tears
  • Hip Bursitis
• Common Accidents that Can Cause Hip Injuries
• Can I claim compensation for a hip injury at work?
• How much compensation can I claim for a hip injury?
• Time limits to start a hip injury claim
• Why use a no win no fee solicitor to make a claim for a broken hip injury?

Am I eligible to make a hip injury compensation claim?

If you suffered a hip injury in an accident that was not your fault, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and other related losses. The easiest way to find out if you have a valid hip injury compensation claim is through a consultation with a legal adviser. They will offer you a free case assessment over the phone to determine whether:

• The person or company you hold responsible owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty by committing an act of negligence or wrongdoing
• You suffered a hip injury as a result within the last three years

Based on the circumstances of your injury, liability may lie with either of the following:

• Your employer, if the hip injury occurred at your workplace. That could include situations where your employer did not address hazards, provided inadequate safety measures, or failed to comply with health and safety regulations;
• A manufacturer or supplier, if the injury resulted from a defective product or equipment, such as a faulty machine or inadequate safety gear;
• A property owner or occupier, if you had an accident in a public space like a shop or restaurant because they have failed to maintain a safe environment;
• A road user, such as a driver or motorbike rider, if they failed to follow the guidelines set out by The Highway Code and has caused a road traffic accident.
• The NHS or private healthcare provider, if the injury to your hip was caused or made worse as a result of medical negligence.

In any of these situations, your solicitor will refer to the relevant UK legislation to prove a duty of care and a breach of duty. Some common laws that may apply to your case include the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987. If liability can be proven, your solicitor will help you gather evidence to claim compensation for a hip injury as soon as possible.

You should know that you may be entitled to hip injury compensation even if you contributed to the events that caused your harm. If it is determined that you had less than 50% of the fault, you may receive a reduced compensation award reflecting your part of the blame. This could be the case if you were injured in a car accident while not wearing your seatbelt.

Furthermore, you could also claim for a hip injury on behalf of a loved one who cannot conduct legal proceedings, such as a child or incapacitated adult. In this case, you will be acting as their litigation friend and making decisions on their behalf throughout the claims process.

Evidence to support a hip injury claim

When claiming compensation for a hip injury, it is essential to gather evidence to support your case, even if the responsible party admits liability straight away. The following types of proof could be helpful:

• A copy of your medical records to clarify the type and extent of the injury to your hip, what treatments you received and your recovery prospects;
• A medical report from an independent specialist regarding the long-term effects of the injury and your future care needs;
• Photographs or a video of the accident scene could help determine how the events unfolded and who might be liable for your injury;
• The name, registration number and insurance details of other road users involved if you were injured in a road accident;
• Pictures of any visible injuries and your recovery process;
• Contact details of witnesses that might provide a statement later if there are liability disputes;
• Try to secure CCTV or dash cam footage as soon as possible when available, before it is deleted;
• Accident reports if you have been injured at work or in a public place. A signed copy of the report will help prove the date, time and location of your accident;
• Any documents related to your financial losses and expenses, such as receipts, invoices and bank statements.

After you have all that is necessary to claim hip compensation, your solicitor will send a claim notification form (CNF) to the other party. The CNF will outline how the accident occurred, why you hold them liable for your injury and the compensation amount you are claiming from them. If they admit responsibility, your solicitor will negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Otherwise, you may need to present the evidence in court and argue your case before a judge.

Symptoms and long-term effects of hip and pelvis injuries

Hip injuries can have various symptoms depending on the specific trauma and its severity. Here are some common symptoms associated with injuries to the hip:

• Pain: Hip pain is a primary symptom of injuries to this area of the body. The intensity and location of the pain can vary depending on the type and extent of the injury. It may be sharp, dull, throbbing, or achy and can be localised to the hip joint or radiate to the groin, thigh, or buttock.
• Limited range of motion: Hip injuries can cause a reduced range of motion which can make it difficult to perform certain movements like walking, bending, or rotating the hip.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the hip joint can make it challenging to move the hip freely. The stiffness may be more noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling and bruising: Inflammation and swelling can occur following an injury. Visible bruising may also develop in the hip area due to bleeding under the skin.
• Instability: Some injuries can cause a feeling of instability or a sense that the hip may give way or catch during movement.
• Difficulty bearing weight: Severe injuries may make bearing weight on the affected leg difficult. Walking, standing, or putting pressure on the hip can be painful and challenging.
• Clicking or popping sensations: In some instances, hip injuries may be accompanied by clicking, popping, or grinding sensations within the hip or pelvis during movement.
• Numbness or tingling: In more severe cases, nerve damage or compression can lead to sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hip, thigh, or lower leg.

Hip injuries can have long-term or even permanent impacts on your daily life, mobility and overall well-being. The specific consequences will vary depending on the severity and type of injury, as well as the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation, but could include:

• Chronic pain during movement or at rest
• Decreased mobility and range of motion in the hips
• Difficulty performing certain activities like walking, climbing stairs or participating in sports
• Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and getting in and out of chairs or vehicles
• The need for assistive devices like crutches, canes or walkers
• Prolonged immobility or reduced use of the hip joint can lead to weakness in the surrounding muscles
• In some cases, hip injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility
• Problems with balance and stability and an increased risk of falls
• Psychological implications, such as frustration, depression, anxiety, or a loss of independence

If you make a successful claim for hip injury compensation, your settlement will take into account all the ways in which your injury has affected your life and future needs.

Common Types of Hip Injury

The personal injury solicitors we partner with have helped to process a wide variety of hip injury claims and have managed cases for a variety of injuries and symptoms, including:

• Hip fractures and dislocations
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Hip dysplasia
• Muscular and ligament injuries
• Septic arthritis
• Labral tears

Some types of hip injuries are more common than others. Below are some explanations of the most common injuries affecting the hips that may form the basis of a successful claim.

Hip Fractures

Fractures of the hip can refer to small breaks or cracks in the top of the thigh bone or any of the bones in the pelvic region. Hip fractures can be incredibly painful and have a significant impact on your ability to walk, carry out daily activities and work. This type of injury can cause a massive disruption to a person’s life and leave them with long-lasting pain and health problems. If the fracture is severe, a hip replacement may even be needed.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is the most common form of arthritis in the hip and typically develops gradually over time due to wear and tear. It can also occur when a damaged hip joint is not fully repaired following an accident, leading to a loss of cartilage. That will have a significant impact on mobility, causing potentially severe pain for the sufferer.

Muscle and Ligament Tears

Sprains in the hip can occur following a sudden contraction of the muscle, leading to a tear or rip in the supporting ligaments. This commonly occurs after a heavy impact on this area of the body, such as in a car accident or following a fall from a height. The symptoms of a hip sprain may include pain, swelling, limited range of motion, muscle weakness and instability. Severe sprains may require immobilisation and physical therapy and may take several months to heal.

Hip Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that relates to the inflammation of the bursa, which are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between joints and the skin. The role of the bursa is to reduce friction in the joints, so when bursitis occurs, the area becomes painful and inflamed. That can have a significant impact on the functionality and mobility of the joint. Bursitis often occurs following the excessive use of the hip due to repetitive movements. Some workers are more prone to suffering from this condition, such as plumbers, construction workers and sports people.

If you suffered any of these or other hip injuries that were not listed here, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. To find out if you can start a hip injury claim, fill in our online form to receive a call back from an experienced legal adviser or call free on 0800 470 0474.

Common Accidents that Can Cause Hip Injuries

There are many ways in which a person can sustain a hip injury. Some cases are through no fault of anyone and are a matter of wear and tear or congenital conditions. However, injuries can sometimes occur due to the action or inaction of somebody else, and the responsible party may be liable for hip injury compensation. Some of the most common causes of hip or pelvis injuries that solicitors deal with include:

Work accidents

Hip injuries at work could be due to a single traumatic event or may develop over time because of poor work practices. Employers have a duty of care to protect you whilst at work and take all reasonable measures to prevent injuries from happening. Common causes of hip injuries at work include falls from a height, machinery accidents, heavy impact from falling objects and being hit by a moving vehicle such as a forklift truck.

Sporting accidents

In contact sports with a high risk of collisions, such as football and rugby, a direct impact on the hip area can lead to contusions, bruises, or even fractures and dislocations. Sports involving jumping, twisting and sudden changes in direction can also put cumulative stress on the hip joint and lead to overuse injuries. Awkward landings or falls during activities such as basketball or gymnastics can cause hip sprains, strains, or dislocations.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs)

Road traffic accidents can result in various types of injuries to the hips due to the impact and forces involved, especially for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. A forceful collision can cause the hip to fracture or dislocate, both severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Road accidents can also result in damage to the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Strains, sprains, and tears can occur, causing pain, swelling, and a restricted range of motion.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common accidents that occur at work and in public places such as supermarkets, shops and restaurants. These are often due to preventable hazards like wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, unsafe stairs or obstacles left in walkways. Direct impact to the hip during a fall can result in hip fractures, dislocations, soft tissue injuries and bruises.

Medical negligence

Hip injuries can occur during surgical procedures such as hip replacement surgery or hip arthroscopy. These can be due to negligent actions by surgeons or medical staff, such as improper placement of implants, incorrect incisions, or surgical instruments left inside the body. Misdiagnosing a hip condition or injury can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment, potentially causing further harm to the hip joint. That can result in prolonged pain, disability, or the need for more invasive procedures.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other circumstances could lead to a valid hip injury claim. To find out if you are entitled to compensation, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free consultation with a legal adviser. They can explain your legal rights to you and answer any questions you might have.

Can I claim compensation for a hip injury at work?

Your employer has a duty to ensure your safety and well-being at work. They must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents based on various UK laws and regulations, such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Under these laws, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their employees. Specifically, concerning hip injuries at work, they are expected to:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify tasks and activities that could pose a risk of injury to the hips;
• Take all reasonable steps to reduce or eliminate the identified risks;
• Ensure that the workplace is free of hazards that could contribute to injuries;
• Provide employees with clear and relevant information, instruction, and training, ensuring they are aware of potential risks and how to safely perform their duties;
• When necessary, provide proper supervision to ensure that safe practices are followed;
• Maintain all equipment and machinery in a safe condition;
• If there are risks of hip injuries at work, offer appropriate PPE, such as safety harnesses, ergonomic equipment, or protective clothing;
• Have procedures in place for reporting accidents, promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury, and take appropriate action to prevent reoccurrence;
• Maintain records of incidents and actions taken;
• Have appropriate arrangements in place for providing first aid and responding to emergencies.

If your employer has failed in their duty of care and their negligence has contributed to your hip injury, you might be entitled to compensation. In the UK, most employers must legally have Employers’ Liability (EL) Insurance against claims made by employees who have suffered injuries or illnesses in the workplace. If you make a hip injury claim, their insurer will pay the compensation awarded to you, so your employer will not be left out of pocket.

How much compensation can I claim for a hip injury?

The amount of compensation paid to you in a hip injury claim will largely depend upon the level of suffering and loss caused to you by the trauma you have sustained. Your solicitor will consider how your life was affected and ensure you are fully compensated. There are two types of damages that your settlement will cover: general and special damages.

General damages refer to the compensation awarded for non-financial losses, such as pain, suffering, and the impact of the injury on your daily life. These are not easily quantifiable and are based on the compensation ranges set out by the Judicial College. According to their guidelines, you could receive the following:

• Up to £3,950 for a minor hip injury with complete recovery
• £3,950 to £12,590 for a mild hip injury that might have some minor long-term effects
• £12,590 to £26,590 for injuries that require surgery or hip replacement with continuing moderate symptoms
• £26,590 to £39,170 for a severe injury with no major long-term disability
• £39,170 to £52,500 for serious injuries that lead to hip instability, mobility issues and degenerative changes
• £52,500 to £78,400 for a very severe injury that may cause permanent debilitating problems
• £78,400 to £130,930 for a very severe hip injury that has caused other significant disabilities such as sexual dysfunction

Special damages are awarded to cover the specific financial losses and expenses you have suffered or will likely suffer in the future. These are usually easier to calculate and are based on actual evidence such as receipts, bank statements and pay slips.

When determining the amount of compensation that you are entitled to for general and special damages, your solicitors will look at the following areas:

• Loss of earnings, both past and potential future earning capacity
• The physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury
• Any emotional or psychological stress that you have suffered as a result of your accident
• The impact on your independence, for example, your inability to drive
• Reduced quality of life
• The cost of care and assistance during recovery, even if provided by your loved ones
• Any impact on your personal life, such as hobbies and sporting activities
• Financial losses incurred for costs of diagnostic tests, treatment and hospital stays
• Any future treatment costs, such as rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Transport costs to hospital appointments, etc.

Your solicitor will aim to secure the highest compensation award possible in all cases, with the hope that the compensation paid to you will help to aid your recovery and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

Time limits to start a hip injury claim

In the UK, there is a three-year time limit to start a personal injury claim after an accident, including claims for a hip injury. In cases where the damage does not become immediately apparent after an accident or the injury develops over time, the three-year time limit starts to run on the date of knowledge. That refers to the date you knew or should have known that you suffered a hip injury which could have been due to another party’s negligence.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit to claim hip injury compensation:

• A parent or legal guardian could claim on behalf of a child at any point before their 18th birthday. After the child becomes a legal adult, they will have another three years, until their 21st birthday, to start a claim for a hip injury on their own.
• If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings, a litigation friend could claim on their behalf anytime. The three years will only start to run if the claimant regains their intellectual ability.
• If your injury was due to a defective product, there is a ten-year rule for claiming compensation after the product was first released on the market.
• Claims for hip compensation following a violent crime could be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years after an incident.
• You have seven years to claim compensation for a hip injury through the AFCS if you had an accident while serving in the military.
• If you were injured abroad, the time limit to claim can differ significantly between countries and could be much shorter than three years.

As a general rule, the sooner you seek legal advice, the better. Starting a hip injury claim at the earliest opportunity will make it easier to gather evidence, speak to witnesses and remember any crucial details about the events. That will help your solicitor build a strong case to secure the largest settlement possible on your behalf.

Why use a no win no fee solicitor to make a claim for a broken hip injury?

The solicitors we work in partnership with are highly experienced in managing claims for hip injury compensation following a wide range of accidents. They are well equipped to deliver a first-rate service and secure the best outcome on your behalf. There are a host of benefits to using an experienced personal injury lawyer to manage your compensation claim, including:

• A free initial consultation with no obligation to proceed
• A No Win No Fee* service
• Friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff
• Help you collect and collate evidence to support your case
• Handle all communication on your behalf
• A commitment to securing the highest level of compensation

A no win no fee service is the preferred way of funding a hip injury claim. If you have a valid case with a fair chance of success, your solicitor will take on the risk of litigation, and you will not have to pay any upfront fees for legal representation.

In a no win no fee claim, you only pay your solicitor a success fee if and after you receive hip compensation. That can be a maximum of 25% of your settlement that you agree upon from the beginning.

Your solicitor will also be able to take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy on your behalf. The ATE is a legal expenses insurance that covers all the legal expenses incurred during litigation, so you will not be left out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful. Furthermore, you only pay for the insurance premium if you win compensation.

If you would like to discuss your case with a friendly and fully trained legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474 today or use the form below to request a call back.