A broken hip is one of the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer in a slip and fall. These injuries are especially common among older adults but can happen to anyone who falls with enough force or awkward positioning. A hip fracture often requires surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term mobility issues. If your fall was caused by an unsafe property condition, like a wet floor, poor lighting, or broken steps, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.
What Makes Broken Hips So Common in Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of hip fractures, especially among older adults. As people age, bones become more brittle and balance decreases making even a minor fall dangerous. But it’s not just seniors who are at risk. Anyone who slips on a slick surface or trips on an uneven walkway can land with enough force to break the femur near the hip joint. What makes hip fractures particularly serious is their effect on mobility. Unlike other broken bones, a hip fracture can limit your ability to walk, stand, or care for yourself often leading to hospitalization, surgery, or even permanent nursing care. Below are common risk factors that make broken hips more likely in a slip and fall:
| ⚠️ Risk Factor | 📝 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 👵 Age 65 or older | Decreased bone density and balance make falls more dangerous |
| 🦴 Osteoporosis | Weakens bones, increasing fracture risk |
| 🌑 Poor lighting or visibility | Makes it harder to spot tripping or slipping hazards |
| 🧽 Slippery or uneven floors | Common causes of unexpected loss of balance |
| 🪜 Lack of handrails or supports | Increases fall risk near stairs or inclines |
Falls that might bruise a knee or elbow in a younger person can be catastrophic for someone more vulnerable. Even in younger adults, a hard fall onto the hip can cause serious damage that affects long-term movement and independence.
How a Fall Can Cause a Hip Fracture
Most hip fractures occur when someone falls directly onto their side, causing the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) to break near the hip joint. This part of the body is especially vulnerable because it bears the body’s weight and has limited natural cushioning. Even a fall from standing height can generate enough impact to cause a break, particularly if the surface is hard or uneven. The mechanics of a fall also matter. Slipping backward and landing on the buttocks or side, tripping forward and twisting awkwardly, or falling from an elevated surface can all put excessive stress on the hip area. In many cases, the person is unable to brace their fall or catch themselves, especially if the slip happens suddenly. These injuries are often seen in:
- Falls on icy sidewalks or wet floors
- Trips over cluttered aisles or uneven steps
- Loss of balance on stairs without handrails
- Falls in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Accidents in poorly lit parking lots or walkways
Once the hip is fractured, mobility becomes severely limited, and immediate medical care is almost always required to prevent further complications.
Symptoms and Complications of a Broken Hip
A broken hip is usually impossible to ignore. Most people experience intense pain immediately after the fall, especially in the groin, outer thigh, or buttock area. In many cases, the injured person cannot stand, walk, or even rotate their leg without significant discomfort. Common symptoms of a hip fracture include:
- Severe pain in the hip or groin
- Inability to put weight on the injured leg
- Stiffness, bruising, and swelling around the hip
- Shortened or outward-turned leg on the injured side
- Difficulty standing or walking
If not treated promptly, a broken hip can lead to serious medical complications, especially in older adults. These may include:
- Blood clots due to immobility
- Infection after surgery
- Pressure ulcers from extended bed rest
- Pneumonia
- Permanent loss of mobility or independence
Identifying the signs of a broken hip early and seeking immediate treatment can reduce the risk of long-term damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Why Immediate Medical Treatment Is Critical
A hip fracture is a medical emergency and delaying treatment can quickly lead to life-threatening complications. Most people with a broken hip require surgery, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. For older adults, even a short delay in treatment can increase the risk of blood clots, infection, or permanent disability. Quick medical attention not only improves physical outcomes, but it also creates a clear medical record linking the injury to the fall. This documentation is crucial if you plan to pursue a personal injury claim. Below are some of the most common treatments and their purposes after a hip fracture:
| 🏥 Treatment | 💡 Purpose | 🩺 When It's Used |
|---|---|---|
| 🛌 Hospitalization | Stabilizes the patient and prevents complications | Immediately after the fall |
| 🔧 Hip surgery (ORIF, screws, rods) | Repairs or replaces the fractured bone | In most moderate to severe fractures |
| 🧘♂️ Physical therapy | Restores strength, mobility, and balance | Post-surgery and long-term recovery |
| 💊 Pain management | Controls discomfort and improves quality of life | Throughout the recovery process |
| 🧍 Mobility aids (walker, cane) | Helps regain independence and prevent re-injury | After initial healing phase |
The sooner proper treatment begins, the better the chances of regaining mobility and avoiding long-term consequences especially for older adults or those with underlying health conditions.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Hip Fracture?
Liability for a broken hip after a slip and fall typically falls under Michigan’s premises liability laws. These laws require property owners, landlords, and business operators to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so and someone suffers a serious injury as a result they can be held legally responsible. Whether the fall occurred in a grocery store, apartment complex, nursing home, or parking lot, the key question is whether the hazardous condition was known or should have been known, and whether the property owner failed to address it in time. Common situations where a property owner may be held liable include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks and flooring
- Missing or broken handrails on staircases
- Icy walkways or poorly maintained outdoor areas
- Inadequate lighting in hallways, entrances, or parking lots
- Failure to assist high-risk residents in nursing homes
Proving liability requires a careful investigation into what caused the fall and whether the hazard could have been prevented. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help uncover the facts and build a strong case.
Proving Negligence in a Broken Hip Injury Claim
Successfully recovering compensation for a broken hip after a fall requires more than just showing you were injured. You must prove that the property owner was negligent that they failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition that directly led to your fall. This often means gathering evidence right after the incident and documenting your injuries through medical care. The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to deny your claim or shift blame onto you. Here’s a breakdown of the most important evidence used to prove negligence in these cases:
| 📁 Evidence Type | 🧠 Why It Matters | 📸 How to Collect It |
|---|---|---|
| 📝 Incident report | Documents when, where, and how you fell | Request from business or property manager |
| 🏥 Medical records | Proves the injury and links it to the fall | Emergency room, surgery, and rehab notes |
| 👀 Witness statements | Confirms the conditions and what happened | Get names and contact info right away |
| 🎥 Surveillance footage | Shows the fall and hazardous conditions | Request quickly before it's deleted |
| 📷 Photos of the hazard | Captures unsafe conditions (ice, cracks, etc.) | Take at the scene if possible |
This kind of evidence can make or break your claim. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to preserve key proof before it disappears.
Compensation for a Broken Hip After a Fall in Michigan
A broken hip can lead to massive medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, and lost income especially if the injury limits your ability to walk, work, or live independently. If your fall was caused by a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both your financial losses and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The value of a hip fracture claim depends on the severity of the injury, your long-term prognosis, and how the fall has affected your life. Insurance companies often try to downplay these claims, so having strong legal representation is essential. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room care, hospitalization, and surgery
- Physical therapy and mobility aids (walker, cane, wheelchair)
- Ongoing medical treatment or in-home care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of independence or diminished quality of life
An experienced Michigan slip and fall attorney can help you calculate your damages and negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
Talk to a Michigan Slip and Fall Lawyer About Your Hip Injury
A broken hip can turn your life upside down. From emergency surgery to months of physical therapy, the road to recovery is long and expensive. If your fall happened because of a property owner’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. At The Clark Law Office, we take slip and fall injuries seriously. We’ve helped clients throughout the state recover compensation after suffering broken hips and other serious injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
When you work with a trusted slip and fall attorney in Michigan, you get the personal attention and legal skill your case deserves. No associates, no case managers, just real legal experience focused on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, evaluate your case, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Explore other serious fall-related injuries in our slip and fall injury hub.
FAQs About Slip and Fall Broken Hip Injuries
Is a broken hip considered a serious injury in a fall?
Yes. A broken hip is a major injury that often requires surgery, hospitalization, and long-term rehab. It can significantly affect mobility and independence, especially for older adults.
Can I sue if I broke my hip in a slip and fall accident?
You may have a valid claim if the fall was caused by a hazardous condition—like a wet floor, icy walkway, or lack of handrails—that a property owner failed to address.
What is the average settlement for a broken hip in Michigan?
Settlements vary based on the severity of the fracture, required treatment, and long-term impact. Cases involving surgery and permanent impairment often result in higher payouts.
How long do I have to file a broken hip claim in Michigan?
Michigan’s statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain exceptions may apply—so it’s best to speak with a lawyer right away.
What if I broke my hip in a nursing home fall?
You may have a case against the facility if neglect or lack of fall prevention contributed to the injury. Nursing homes have a legal duty to protect residents from foreseeable harm.