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Why Are Hip Fractures So Dangerous After Slip and Fall Accidents?

Hip fractures are dangerous after a slip and fall because they often severely limit mobility, and the risk of life-threatening complications is high. A hip fracture usually necessitates surgical repair or replacement, followed by physical therapy. Senior citizens and those with disabilities often have a long road to recovery, upending their lives and creating financial instability due to medical costs and the inability to work. This can lead to depression and a reduced quality of life.


If you’ve fractured your hip due to the negligence of another party, you need Salamati Law. Our firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you can work to rebuild your life and move on from your injury. Contact us today for a free consultation about how to protect your rights.

Common Types of Hip Injuries After a Slip and Fall Accident

There are many different types of hip injuries. The most common include the following:

● Dislocated Hips: This occurs when the ball at the top of the thigh bone comes out of its socket in the pelvis. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
● Hip Fractures: Hip fractures occur when there is a break in the thigh bone near the hip joint. It requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to long-term complications.
● Hip Bursitis: This happens when the tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the hip joint become irritated or inflamed. It can cause pain and stiffness in the hip area.
● Hip Labral Tear: This is a tear in the cartilage that lines the socket of the hip joint. It can cause pain and stiffness and may require surgery to repair.
● Hip Strains: This type of injury occurs when the muscles or tendons in the hip area are overstretched or torn. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.


If you cannot put weight on a leg after falling, you notice bruising in the hip area, or you experience sharp pain in that region, then you may have a hip injury.

Potential Complications from Hip Fractures

Two doctors in a hospital  reviewing an X-ray of a patient's hip

Hip fractures are particularly dangerous because of the risk of serious complications. The most common is a post-operative blood clot. It can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

According to the Mayo Clinic, other complications include:

  • Loss of muscle mass leads to a higher risk of future falls and injuries.
  • Post-operative pneumonia may result from hyperglycemia and lower platelet count.
  • Bed sores or pressure ulcers are caused by long periods of immobility before, during, and after surgery.

The CDC identifies falls as a leading cause of death and injuries among seniors. Over 13 million people, 65 and older, report falling, with 37 percent needing medical attention.   

Seniors Are at Higher Risk of Complications Following a Hip Fracture

An attendant at a nursing home helps a resident walk through a garden

Senior citizens are at higher risk of life-threatening complications or permanent disability after a fall that results in a hip fracture. This is due, in part, to the natural aging process, which often causes osteoporosis and arthritis that weakens bones and muscles and makes them more susceptible to injuries. In addition, most hip fractures require surgery to restore mobility.


However, as noted above, surgery also puts older patients at risk for many post-surgical complications, including infection, blood clots in the lungs or legs, bedsores, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.

Potential Compensation for a Hip Fracture Caused by a Slip and Fall Accident

Accident victims may be eligible for two types of compensation. Economic damages are expenses easily verified with receipts and invoices. Non-economic damages are soft costs that are more subjective and can consist of pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
The details of your case can affect the amount and include the following:

  • Your age and occupation: The older you are, the more likely you will require long-term care and suffer severe injuries. If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your ability to perform your job, this may impact the compensation awarded.
  • The cost of medical expenses: Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication costs, may factor into the compensation awarded.
  • The severity of your injury: The more severe the injury and its impact on your daily life, the higher your potential compensation may be.
  • Experience and skill of your attorney: A slip and fall accident lawyer experienced in handling hip fracture cases can help you maximize your potential compensation. They can calculate the full extent of your damages and won’t accept lowball offers from insurance companies during settlement negotiations.

Contact Salamati Law for a Free Consultation

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If you’ve sustained a hip fracture after a slip and fall accident, contact our team at Salamati Law. We will fight to protect your right to fair and reasonable compensation for your damages and losses. Our team has been serving Southern California for almost 30 years. Call us today to schedule a free consultation; there is no obligation to hire us. We’re happy to answer your questions and assess your case.

No Obligation, No Fees Guaranteed, Unless We Win

We are committed to negotiate your case aggressively, strategically and creatively. Personal injury lawsuits are retained on a contingency fee agreement, and plaintiffs will pay no legal fees unless the firm is able to recover damages on your behalf.

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