Contact Us
Contact our Glendale personal injury attorney at Klink Law, PLLC, for your free and confidential case evaluation following an injury to you or a family member.
Average Settlement For A Car Accident Hip Injury
Every year, numerous residents of Arizona experience injuries resulting from automobile collisions. These injuries can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, those affected have the option to seek compensation from the responsible party with the help of an Arizona auto accident attorney.
One common injury that accident victims may sustain is a hip injury. Along with the physical pain, treating such injuries can be costly, and the injured party may need to take time off work to recover. Additionally, aside from the hip injury, there may be other losses that warrant financial compensation.
The question then arises: how much compensation can a hip injury victim expect to receive? Are there factors that influence the average settlement amount? This article aims to provide answers to these questions. However, before we delve into that, let’s first explore hip injuries in more detail.
Understanding Hip Injuries
A hip injury refers to any damage that affects the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint located at the top of the femur, the upper part of the thighbone. The socket, known as the acetabulum, is a rounded bone that forms part of the pelvis.
One of the most common hip injuries resulting from car accidents is a fracture. This occurs when there is a break in the upper part of the femur bone. In the United States alone, over 300,000 people suffer from hip fractures annually, as reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Hip fractures are extremely painful and often require surgical intervention for proper healing. In addition to fractures, car crashes can also lead to bursitis, which is the inflammation of the hip caused by irritation or inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs known as bursae.
Moreover, a person involved in a car accident may experience a hip dislocation. While not as severe as a fracture, dislocation can still be excruciatingly painful. The good news is that it can be treated without surgery, and with the help of medication and adequate rest, the injured individual can recover over time.
What are the factors behind hip injuries in car accidents, and how can you establish the causation?
In the event of a minor car crash, the chances of sustaining a hip injury are relatively low. Hip injuries are typically associated with high-impact collisions, particularly in side-impact crashes.
According to the laws of physics, the force generated during a high-impact collision is transferred to the occupants of the vehicle. This force often exceeds the body’s capacity to withstand it, resulting in a hip bone fracture.
When filing a compensation claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault party, they may attempt to dispute the physics behind the accident. Even if you provide evidence of a severely damaged car, an insurance adjuster may still argue that the accident was not the direct cause of the fracture, especially if you are an older adult.
The insurance company may suggest that a pre-existing medical condition could have contributed to the fracture, as individuals with osteoporosis are more prone to hip fractures. So, how can you prove that the accident was responsible for your hip injury?
Firstly, obtain a copy of the police report to validate your involvement in the accident. Next, present your medical records to the insurance adjuster. These records will indicate whether the hip injury was caused by blunt force trauma or a pre-existing medical condition.
If possible, obtain a statement from your doctor or a physicist explaining how the impact of the accident directly caused the injury. Lastly, before presenting this evidence to the at-fault party’s insurer, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an automobile accident attorney in Phoenix. Having legal representation provides you with an advantage when dealing with insurance providers.
What is the typical compensation amount for a hip injury settlement?
Accident victims who have suffered severe hip injuries often wonder about the potential compensation they may receive when filing a personal injury claim. This is a valid concern considering the medical bills and other expenses they may face. Additionally, pursuing legal action can be costly, which may further complicate matters for them.
It’s important to note that there is no fixed amount of compensation for a hip injury. Each case is unique, as injuries differ from person to person, and the treatment required may vary. As a result, the merits of each case determine the outcome.
Several factors come into play when determining the amount of compensation. For example:
The Injury Severity
Hip injuries vary in severity, ranging from serious to more critical cases. While some individuals may recover within weeks, others may require months, and unfortunately, some may suffer a permanent disability.
For instance, a hip injury with a recovery time of six weeks and medical expenses ranging between $5,000 and $8,000 could potentially result in a settlement of $28,000. However, if surgery and rehabilitation are necessary, the compensation may range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to even a million.
The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Coverage And Resources
Consider a scenario where the victim sustains a hip injury requiring surgery and lifelong rehabilitation. In such cases, the victim may seek hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation, which a court may grant.
If this occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurer will pay the compensation up to the policy limit, while the driver will be responsible for any remaining amount. However, this assumes that the driver has the financial means to cover the additional costs. If not, it may be impossible to recover the full compensation or it may be received in installments.
Factors That Impact the Settlement for My Broken Hip Injury
The answer to this question is not straightforward as it varies depending on the circumstances. However, injury attorneys consider specific factors to assess the potential recovery you may be entitled to. These factors encompass:
- The extent and severity of your injuries;
- Whether you were partially at fault in causing the accident;
- The availability of evidence and witnesses;
- The context in which your injury occurred; and
- Whether either party carries insurance that would cover your broken hip.
Every case is unique. The factors at play and the evidence you can provide will heavily influence the potential value of your settlement. If you have any inquiries regarding the worth of your case, reach out to an attorney today for a more detailed discussion.
What types of compensation can injury victims receive in settlements for broken hip injuries?
If you suffer a hip fracture in an accident, it’s likely that you will face expenses during your recovery process. Additionally, depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to take time off work to receive treatment and heal.
However, there is a silver lining. You may be eligible for financial compensation to assist with these costs. This compensation, often referred to as “damages” in legal terms, can help alleviate the financial burden associated with a hip fracture injury.
In a settlement for a broken hip injury, the damages you may be entitled to recover can include compensation for various aspects:
- Ambulance costs,
- Emergency surgery expenses,
- Hospital bills,
- Future doctor’s visits,
- Prescription medication,
- Lost wages,
- Loss in earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Although a broken hip injury can be painful and the recovery process can be emotionally and physically draining, the silver lining is that you are not alone in bearing the financial burden. There are avenues available to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and secure the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
Are You A Hip Injury Victim? Contact Our Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer
Suffering from a hip injury and experiencing financial setbacks due to a car accident can be overwhelming. However, there is a way to recover what you have lost – by pursuing a personal injury claim. At Klink Law, our dedicated legal team is here to assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve.
With our compassionate representation, we will ensure that you receive nothing less than what you are entitled to. Schedule a complimentary consultation today with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Arizona.
Questions? We Can Help
Based out of Glendale, AZ Klink Law, PLLC focuses on Personal Injury Litigation, Licensing Board Defense, and General Civil Litigation. David Klink takes pride in the opportunity to personally serve his clients and he will take the time to explain the legal process and answer your questions.