Hip injuries are very common in physically demanding occupations. Those who sustain hip injuries on the job often work in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and nursing. These occupations often involve lifting heavy objects, moving at a fast pace, as well as frequent walking, bending, and twisting.
There are generally two categories of hip injuries:
- Sudden hip injuries: Common causes include slip and fall accidents, sudden blows to the hips, or sudden muscle strains from heavy lifting. Sudden hip injuries often include:
- Strains or tears to the hip flexors, adductors, or hamstrings
- Socket tears, joint misalignment, or dislocations
- Bone fractures in the hips
- Gradual hip injuries: This type of injury is linked to gradual wear and tear on the hips due to repetitive stress and poor posture. Gradual hip injuries often include:
- Cartilage tears and lesions
- Bursitis (inflammation in the hips)
- Muscle strains, aches, and spasms
Work-related hip injuries are often treated with ice, compression, medication for pain and inflammation, elevation, stretching, physical therapy and rest. Severe hip injuries often require surgery, hip replacements, and/or long-term rehabilitation. Chiropractic treatment, massage, and acupuncture can also help speed up recovery and alleviate pain.
What is the best way to prevent hip injuries on the job?
Employers can help mitigate the risk of work-related hip injuries by providing workers with:
- Adjustable standing and sitting surfaces
- Protective footwear
- Frequent breaks and opportunities to change standing or sitting positions
- Shock-absorbing floor surfaces and anti-fatigue mats
Employers must also:
- Maintain safe working facilities by keeping walking areas clear of debris, liquids, loose wires, and equipment
- Keep large machinery secured and locked out when not in use
- Use ladders and scaffolds that are in good condition. Ensure that they are sturdy and properly assembled.
What should I do if I sustained a hip injury on the job?
If you sustained a hip injury on the job, it's critical that you notify your employer and see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on how serious your hip injury is, you may not be able to return to work and collect a paycheck for several months. This can be both financially and emotionally devastating since you rely on your income to make ends meet. The good news is, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. A workers' compensation settlement will pay for current and future medical expenses and lost wages while you recover. It will also pay for partial or permanent disability if you sustained a severe hip injury and can't perform your normal job functions.
Getting workers' compensation benefits won't be easy. The paperwork involved is often complex. Any errors made during the filing process can result in your benefits being delayed or denied. Let an experienced Ohio workers' compensation attorney at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. guide you through the process. We'll ensure that all paperwork is properly filled out and evidence and documentation are prepared for trial.
Our law offices are in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, and Troy. Contact us online to find out how we can help you.