Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common accidents types in New York. Anyone can be a victim of a slip and fall accident, especially when conditions are dangerous. One of the most common types of injuries that slip and fall accident victims sustain is a hip injury. Read on for more information about hip injuries from falling and your options to recover damages if you’re a victim.
Hip Fracture and Dislocation
A fracture to the hip is unfortunately a very common injury type, especially for those who have brittle bones or suffer from osteoporosis. According to the American Academy for Orthopaedic Surgeons, a hip fracture occurs when the femur bone suffers a break. When a person falls and lands on the side of his hip, a hip fracture may occur. Surgical treatment is usually required when the break is severe.
A hip dislocation, on the other hand, occurs when the femur is forced out of the socket located in the pelvis. A hip dislocation is an extremely painful injury, and causes immobility of the leg. Sometimes, nerves are compressed as a result of the dislocation, meaning that the patient also loses feeling in the leg and/or foot.
Correcting a hip dislocation is also painful, a doctor may administer anesthesia, and then physically reposition the bone. Unfortunately, a hip dislocation injury can often lead to nerve damage, the development of arthritis in the joint, and osteonecrosis, which occurs when blood supply to the bone is lost.
Who’s liable for my hip injury?
If your slip and fall accident was caused by the negligence of another person, then that person may be liable for your hip injury and the resultant damages. In many cases, this is a property owner.
So if a party owns or manages a retail store and you slipped and fell in a puddle of water, the property owner may be liable. You must demonstrate that the property owner knew of the dangerous condition (the puddle of water) or should have known of it, yet did not correct the hazard or warn others of it.
In other cases, a property owner may be responsible for addressing hazards created by bad weather that could cause a slip and fall. There are many other examples as well – generally, you must prove the property owner’s negligence and that it caused your accident and injury.
If successful, then you may be able to recover damages that include lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of your related medical bills.
An attorney can be essential in helping you file a claim and recover damages. In New York, you have three years to file a lawsuit for damages from the time that your slip and fall accident occurred. But get started as soon as possible to ensure you file in time and secure evidence that can prove negligence as well as the extent of your damages.
How an Attorney Can Help if You Suffered Hip Injuries from Falling
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in New York, a slip and fall attorney can help you file your claim for damages, prove the responsible party’s liability, and recover compensation for your injuries. To begin today, call our attorneys now at 800-550-0000, or simply fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation.
photo credit: Sitty’ Life via photopin (license)
