A hip injury can be excruciating and limit a person’s mobility, preventing them from working, performing daily tasks, or participating in hobbies. A severe hip injury could have life-altering consequences and require costly medical treatment. It can also cause emotional distress if it interferes with their livelihood and well-being.
If you injured your hip at work in Pennsylvania, the team at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. could help you seek workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills and lost wages. Our Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyers have spent more than 20 years representing injured workers, recovering more than $221 million for our clients in that time. We have seen how employers and insurance companies can minimize injuries, so we will aggressively advocate for your rights to get maximum benefits. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.
Types of Hip Injuries
There are various types of hip injuries, most limiting movement and causing severe pain. Some of the most common hip injuries people suffer at work include the following:
- Hip fractures – A hip fracture occurs when something causes a bone in the hip to break or crack. Hip fractures are more common among people over age 65, as bones weaken and become brittle. However, younger workers often sustain hip injuries from blunt-force trauma. Some hip fractures never fully heal and cause severe pain for years.
- Dislocated hip – A dislocated hip occurs when the thigh bone slips out of the hip joint socket. If this happens, the leg cannot move properly. Dislocated bones are some of the most painful injuries people sustain at work. Physical trauma is the usual cause of a dislocated hip.
- Hip labral tears – There is a ring of cartilage in the hip joint that helps keep the thigh bone firmly in the joint socket. This cartilage is called the labrum, and the joint will not work correctly if it tears. In addition to limiting movement, hip labral tears cause intense pain. Many hip labral tears result from repetitive stress or motion, though blunt-force trauma can also cause a tear.
- Bursitis – Bursae are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the body’s bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. When bursae become inflamed, they can cause intense pain. The most common cause of bursitis is gradual wear from repetitive motions.
- Tendonitis – Like bursae, tendons in the hip sometimes become inflamed from overuse or irritation. Inflamed tendons can cause intense pain and a limited range of motion. Repetitive stress is the usual cause of tendonitis.
Common Causes of Hip Injuries at Work
Some of the most common causes of work-related hip injuries include the following:
- Defective machinery – Some industries, such as construction and agriculture, require workers to use heavy machinery. If a piece of machinery malfunctions or is not kept in good working order, it could cause an employee to fall and result in a hip injury.
- Falling objects – Construction, forestry, and other industries often require employees to use large, heavy equipment while working from heights. When these objects fall on workers below, they can cause hip injuries.
- Crush injuries – Crush injuries can result from machinery or other heavy equipment falling on, striking, or pinning employees.
- Falls from heights – The impact of falling off a ladder or another elevated position can cause a hip fracture or another hip injury.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Slips, trips, and falls can occur due to slick floors, debris in walkways, loose carpets and tiles, or exposed electrical wires. These accidents can cause hip injuries, including fractures and dislocations.
- Repetitive motion or stress injuries – Employees who work in manufacturing or similar industries often perform the same motions or activities repeatedly during the workday. This can put severe stress on the bones, muscles, and connective tissues in the hip over time, leading to an injury.
How to Treat Hip Injuries
Hip injuries can be challenging to treat and sometimes require surgery, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Hip injuries caused by repetitive stress or tendonitis may respond to rest, over-the-counter medications, and holding ice to the injured area. Physical therapy can help to increase the range of motion and strengthen the hip muscles.
However, more severe injuries often require more extensive treatment. Some hip fractures never fully heal, and a total hip replacement may be necessary. Hip replacement surgeries can be expensive, and not all surgeries succeed. A workers’ compensation attorney can help determine the best treatment for your injury and calculate the costs of receiving that treatment.
Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Hip Injury at Work?
According to the State Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), most Pennsylvania employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for all employees, including seasonal and part-time workers. If you suffered a hip injury at work or while performing a work-related task, you likely have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must promptly report your hip injury to your employer. Failure to report your injury could result in the delay or denial of benefits. Your employer must then report your injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a first report of injury (FROI). It may be helpful to hire a workers’ comp lawyer to explain how you can file a claim for your work-related hip injury and keep track of necessary paperwork and crucial deadlines.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive for a Work-Related Hip Injury?
If your employer approves your workers’ comp claim, you will be entitled to benefits covering the costs of “reasonable surgical and medical services” related to treating your injury, according to the DLI. Reasonable medical services can include medicine, supplies, hospital treatment and services, orthopedic appliances, and prostheses.
You may also be entitled to wage-loss benefits if your injury prevents you from working or if you earn less than your pre-injury wages. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can review your case and determine how much compensation you could receive.
Talk to Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Pennsylvania Today
The key to maximizing your compensation for a work-related hip injury is to work with an experienced attorney. The team at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. has handled hundreds of cases and knows how to help pursue the money you need. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Pennsylvania.
