Hip injuries are less common among younger workers and only account for 2% of older worker injuries in the workplace. Workers between the ages of 55 and 64 miss an average of 35 days when they have a hip injury, but this figure rises to 67 days for people 65 and older.
You can suffer from:
- Bursitis
- Dislocation
- Fractures
- Tears
- Much more
If your hip injury happened due to an accident at work or because of your duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation to help you recover lost wages of up to $800 each week and medical benefits.
Your employer, if they have three or more employees, must have workers’ compensation insurance, but there are a few exceptions, such as if you work as an agricultural worker.
We’ve been part of 10,000 cases, fighting intensively to help employees seek the benefits they deserve from workers’ compensation. If you suffered a hip injury at work, we can help you seek the benefits you deserve.
Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your hip injury with an attorney.
Claim Illustration
Jamie is a 60-year-old nurse who works in the trauma unit. While working one night, she heard a beeping coming from one of the patient’s rooms. The patient had flat-lined, causing Jamie to rush to his side and perform CPR.
She was walking out of the patient’s room afterward when she slipped on a wet floor and fell on her hip.
Shooting pain and discomfort were immediate, and she reported the accident to her supervisor. She has a hip fracture. Her doctor recommends surgery, but she will be out of work for six to nine months. Fortunately, she is expected to make a full recovery.
Workers’ compensation insurance will cover the cost of:
- Lost wages
- Therapy
- Surgery
- Diagnostics
- Walker, crutches and other walking aids
If Jamie’s accident wasn’t well-documented, she may have faced an uphill battle in having her workers’ compensation claim approved.
Common Work-Related Hip Injuries
You can suffer from multiple hip-related injuries at work, including but not limited to:
- Bursitis
- Breaks
- Dislocation
- Fractures
- Iliopsoas Impingement
- Labral tear
- Muscle strain
A wide range of workplace accidents can cause an employee to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Workplace Accidents that Cause Hip Injuries
Hip-related injuries can happen for several reasons, including:
- Trip and falls
- Slips and falls
- Machinery-related accidents
- Repetitive actions
You can fall a hundred times, but if you hit your hip just the right way, it can cause you to miss weeks or months of work with a serious hip injury. Taking the appropriate steps following your injury is necessary to protect your rights.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
If you injure your hip at work, workers’ compensation can help cover the cost of medical care and lost wages. Filing a claim is the first step to getting the benefits you need.
Immediately following your injury, make sure that you:
Report The Injury
To start the process of filing for workers’ compensation, you will first need to report your injury and incident to your manager or supervisor in writing. In Georgia, you have 30 days to report an injury to your employer, or you risk losing your benefits.
When reporting your injury, provide as many details as possible, including the date and time of the accident, any witnesses who may have seen the accident, and how your injury occurred.
Your employer will be required to fill out a workers’ compensation form, and they will provide you with a form to fill out as well.
Be sure to ask your employer for a copy of their report. It will serve as vital evidence to support your claim.
Get Medical Attention
If your hip injury is an emergency, don’t wait to get medical care. Workers’ compensation insurance will cover the cost of emergency medical care.
Even if your injury is not an emergency, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor right away ensures there’s no confusion about whether your injury is work-related. It also allows you to start the documentation process right away, so you have strong evidence to support your claim.
Your employer will provide a list of approved doctors you can see (known as authorized treating physicians or a panel of physicians).
If you don’t see a doctor on your employer’s approved list of providers, the insurance company and your employer can use this as a reason to deny your claim. Emergency medical care is an exception (you don’t have to see an approved provider if it’s an emergency).
Make sure that you understand any medical restrictions or recommendations your doctor recommends. It’s important to also provide your employer with a copy of your restrictions, so your work duties can be adjusted appropriately.
Consult with an Attorney
If you’re injured at work, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
An attorney will explain the claim process, help you navigate each step, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to. They will understand the complexities and nuances of workers’ compensation laws.
If your claim is ultimately denied, your attorney will guide you through the appeal process, which may involve a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once your injury has been reported to your employer, the next step is to file a workers’ compensation claim by filling out Form WC-14.
Make sure that you fill out the form completely. An attorney can help you with this step, which will officially start the claim process with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
How We Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Hip injuries can impact the quality of your life and your ability to work. You may not be able to stand for longer periods of time or have difficulty walking.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover the cost of your medical care, rehabilitation and lost wages while you recover.
Filing a claim can be complex. To obtain maximum benefits, consult with an attorney who understands Georgia’s workers’ compensation system.
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know the challenges you face and what it takes to obtain the benefits you need and deserve. Over the last 2+ decades, we have handled over 10,000 cases involving injured workers.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim.
