Hip Fractures and Missouri Workers’ Compensation

A hip fracture is a break anywhere on the pelvis, hip joint, or neck of the femur bone in the upper leg. It can be caused by many workplace-related accidents, including falls from ladders, car accidents, and construction accidents. Due to the location of the fracture, it is a debilitating injury that could require extensive medical attention and time to heal.

hip fracture workers compensation lawyer

You need to ensure that you receive your entire workers’ compensation benefits if your hip was fractured due to a workplace accident. By law, your employer must pay you for any medical costs accrued from the injury and its treatment. In addition, you may be entitled to a percentage of your lost wages while recovering from a hip fracture. If you feel you are not getting the benefits you are entitled to or your employer has ceased them, our law office will help.

What is a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur or thigh bone. The hip is one of the largest joints in the body, joining the top of the femur with the pelvis, and any fracture to it is considered a severe condition. Almost all hip fractures require surgery to correct and restore mobility to the leg.

What is the Cause of a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture can result from several causes, particularly in physically demanding work environments. Here’s a structured overview of the common causes and symptoms associated with this injury:

Common Causes of Hip Fractures:

Falls: Typically onto a hard surface, directly impacting the hip area.
Blunt Force Trauma: Direct impacts to the hip can occur during accidents or collisions.

Occupations at Higher Risk:

Roofers: Due to working at heights and potential for falls.
Cable Installers: Also at risk of falling from heights or down stairs.
Construction Workers: Exposed to various risks, including falls and impacts.

Symptoms of a Hip Fracture:

Intense Pain: Primarily in the groin and hip area immediately following the incident.
Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty or inability to put any weight or pressure on the affected leg.

Understanding these aspects can help in early recognition and prompt treatment of hip fractures, particularly in high-risk work settings.

What Should You Do?

Report the injury immediately to your employer or supervisor and provide information about the injury – what, where, when, and how it happened. Your employer or supervisor should arrange medical treatment and file the necessary reports with the Division. Prompt reporting is the key. Ensure your right to benefits by a written notice of every injury, no matter how slight.

Failure to report your injury to your employer may jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To support your right to benefits for which you may be eligible, notify your employer of the injury in writing within 30 days.

What Will Workman’s Compensation Cover for a Hip Fracture?

All injuries and occupational diseases must meet the standard of work being “the prevailing factor” in causing the injury or illness. The injury must arise out of and in the course of employment. Idiopathic injuries that result from an unknown cause are not covered. Specific injuries that occur when the employee is going to and from work are excluded.

Missouri law requires most employers to carry insurance, which pays for medical treatment and lost-time benefits for injured employees on the job. The law also requires prompt payment of benefits at no cost if you sustain a work-related injury covered under the law.

Free Worker’s Compensation Consultations

The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has a strong history of helping injured workers get the medical attention and financial compensation they need. Contact our St. Louis, Missouri, worker’s compensation law firm to ensure that your rights are protected. Please call us today at (314) 361-4300. You can also complete our Online Case Evaluation Form.

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