According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8,200 people suffered hip injuries on the job, resulting in lost work days within one year. The median number of days missed was 17. In addition, 42% of people missing work due to a hip injury missed work for 31 days or more.
A hip injury may be the basis of a Wilmington workers’ compensation claim.
What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for Hip Injury Compensation?
As of 2024, the National Safety Council reports a $62,110 average workers’ comp cost for injuries to the hip, thigh, and pelvis.
However, several factors determine a settlement amount for an individual case. Because a settlement may reflect missed work, disability, average weekly wage, and whether medical care is included in the settlement, there is genuinely no average or typical award to expect for a hip injury at work.
Common Causes of Work-Related Hip Injuries
Falls
Causing a fracture, dislocation, or other traumatic injury may occur from a higher surface or on the same level.
Blunt force trauma
Including from a motor vehicle accident or being struck by an object.
Cuts, lacerations
From sharp objects or the use of tools and equipment.
Crushing injury
Crushing from being stuck under or between objects.
Lifting
Poor lifting technique may result in a sudden strain or chronic injury.
Explosions
May injure the hips and other parts of the body.
Repetitive trauma
Performing a task on a repeated basis can cause injury over time.
Workplace violence
Including assault and violence with weapons.
Types of Hip Injuries on the Job
- Fractures—Including the pelvis or femur
- Dislocation—Movement of the femur out of the hip socket
- Labral tear—Tearing of the cartilage that lines the hip socket
- Hip flexor strain—Pulled muscles, ligaments, and tendons that facilitate movement of the hip
- Hip dysplasia—When the hip socket doesn’t completely cover the femur ball/head (acetabulum), while rare, may be caused by traumatic injury
- Traumatic bursitis—Inflammation of the bursa, including greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Hip Injuries
A hip injury can impact a person long-term in several ways. The hip may become unstable and more prone to injury, or it may become stiff and limit movement.
Early-onset osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions may develop. A person may be more likely to fall or suffer reinjury.
With limited motion or pain during movement, a person may experience overall health decline. They may be less physically active or have secondary mental health issues like depression and grief. Fear of reinjury may cause a person to limit physical activity.
Typical Settlement Ranges for Hip Injuries in Wilmington
Hip injuries on the job vary significantly in severity and nature. Some hip injuries heal with rest, while some require physical therapy.
In severe cases, surgical intervention is required. This wide range of severity can mean variations in medical costs. In turn, typical workers’ comp settlements for hip injury vary significantly.
The amount awarded depends on what’s included in the settlement. The person’s average weekly wage will form the basis of lost work compensation and will factor in disability pay. The higher a person’s average weekly wage before injury, the higher their settlement amount will be.
Medical care in a hip injury workers’ compensation settlement
What medical care is needed, and whether future medical care is included, may factor significantly in a workers’ comp hip injury settlement. A settlement may award the person an amount for future medical care. In that case, medical care through workers’ compensation insurance ends; if needed, the person must seek medical care with their own resources.
However, a settlement may also open the possibility of covered medical care. What’s best for the worker depends on their circumstances, prognosis, and what’s likely needed in the future. A lawyer for workers’ compensation for hip injuries can advise the injured worker.
How the Workers’ Comp Process Works for Hip Injuries
- A hip injury occurs.
- The person seeks emergency medical treatment if necessary.
- The person reports the injury to their employer.
- Medical care continues to cure, provide relief, or lessen the period of disability for hip injury.
- Insurance may accept or dispute the claim.
- If there are disputed issues, parties may negotiate or take their case to a hearing.
- The parties may negotiate a settlement.
- An injured person may have a lawyer represent them for a hip injury workers’ compensation claim.
Disability compensation for hip workplace injuries
Note: Disability pay for hip injury in North Carolina workers’ compensation is evaluated under the criteria for total loss of use of the leg. A person is evaluated for ankylosis (stiffness and immobility), arthroplasty (surgically restored function), and limited motion. See guidance.
The Importance of Medical Documentation for Hip Injury Claims
Diagnosis and necessary treatment are two issues often contested in workers’ comp hip injury claims. Immediate medical care can assist in linking the hip injury to the workplace incident or harmful event.
Documentation can show a course of treatment. It can show that the person is improving and that continued medical care is appropriate. It may also show that less invasive treatments are not working, and surgery is required.
What To Do If Your Hip Injury Keeps You from Returning to Work
If your hip injury keeps you from returning to work, continue to attend your medical appointments. Keep activities within your medical restrictions. Communicate with your employer regarding your status. Review your claim to make sure your average weekly wage is calculated appropriately. Your lawyer can guide you through documenting your claim and when to pursue a settlement.
Contact an Experienced Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have suffered a hip injury, we invite you to contact an experienced Wilmington workers’ compensation lawyer. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys is a workers’ compensation lawyer for hip injury settlements. Call or message us now.
