Broken hips, also known as hip fractures, are among the most common types of fractures a slip and fall victim may experience, especially after a sideways fall. Hip fractures are debilitating injuries that severely affect mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Read on to learn who is at risk for hip fractures, how long it takes to recover, and why you may be entitled to compensation.

What Causes Hip Fractures?

According to data compiled by the CDC, over 95% of hip fractures occur after a fall. The most common circumstances involve a sideways fall, such as in a slip and fall accident.

Other common causes of hip fractures include severe impacts, such as in motor vehicle collisions or direct, blunt-force trauma. They can also result from falls caused by a failure of duty of care, such as in cases of nursing home neglect. If you or a loved one sustained a hip fracture due to an unsafe nursing home, contact our experienced Indiana nursing home neglect attorneys to discuss the circumstances of the injury and learn how to protect your rights and the rights of your loved ones.

Who is at Risk?

Although a hip fracture can happen to anyone, CDC statistics indicate women and the elderly are at a significantly heightened risk of hip fracture.

  • Women: 3 out of 4 patients hospitalized every year for hip fractures are women, and CDC data suggests they experience falls more often than men. Additionally, women are more likely to have osteoporosis, heightening the risk of broken bones.
  • Elderly: Over 300,000 yearly hospitalizations nationwide for hip fractures involve older individuals (aged 65 or higher). Studies show elderly patients suffering from hip fractures have a significantly higher mortality and debilitation rate.

How Long Do Hip Fractures Take to Heal?

Medical professionals estimate that, on average, a fractured hip bone needs at least three months to heal completely, with many patients needing six to nine months to recover.

While hip fractures are a highly debilitating injury, the time to recover depends on multiple factors:

  • Your age and sex
  • The nature and severity of the fracture
  • Whether you need surgery and rehabilitation

Most hip fractures fall into two categories: femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric hip fractures.

  • In a femoral neck fracture, the breaking point is located between 1 and 2 inches from the hip joint. This fracture type usually requires surgery and is the most likely to result in complications, as it may disrupt blood flow to the top part of the femur.
  • In an intertrochanteric hip fracture, the breaking point is situated 3 to 4 inches from the hip joint, making it much less likely to result in blood flow interruptions and typically requires a shorter recovery time.

Why Are Hip Fractures So Deadly in the Elderly?

Keeping the hip joint immobilized during hip fracture recovery is essential for proper healing. Because the hip is such a vital part of physical movement, the patient may need to remain in bed for the duration of recovery. This may lead to blood clots and reduced muscle mass.

Most elderly patients have already experienced muscle loss and a reduction in circulation due to aging, so a worsening of either condition due to their injury can lead to further medical problems that may result in death.

Hip fractures may also require surgery, creating further complications like pulmonary embolism and infections that contribute to high death rates.

Can You Get Compensation for a Fractured Hip?

If your hip fracture was the result of negligence on behalf of a property owner, nursing home, or care provider, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Wagner Reese can help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.

Contact a Qualified Attorney to Get Compensation for Your Broken Hip

Hip fractures are life-altering injuries that significantly reduce your ability to earn a living and diminish your independence. They can also lead to major health complications, increased mortality, and significant financial hardship due to the treatment costs.

Wagner Reese’s team of experienced Indiana slip and fall lawyers can help you understand the process of bringing a claim against a negligent party and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case review to learn how we can help you file your claim.