Hip and pelvis injuries were once a common result of motor vehicle accidents. But with advanced safety features including lower console and lower door side airbags, these injuries have been greatly reduced. However they remain a prominent outcome of slip/trip and fall accidents, particularly for the elderly.
In this article, we will take a look at hip and pelvis injuries and historical examples of the personal injury settlement values victims have received:
- Intertrochanteric Fracture
- Labral Tear of the Hip
- Right Superior Fracture of the Inferior Pubic Rami
Intertrochanteric Fracture
A fracture in the hip region often caused by a hard fall. These fractures are most common in individuals above 80 years of age. Common symptoms include: the leg feeling shortened, externally rotated, and/or groin pain with leg movement.
In 2014, the Court in Manzoor Ur-Rahman v Oma Devi Mahatoo et al, 2014 ONSC 2636 awarded the injured person $90,000 for injuries that included an intertrochanteric fracture.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Labral Tear of the Hip
The labrum is a rim of soft tissue surrounding the hip socket that adds to the stability of the hip. Common symptoms of a labral tear of the hip include: pain in the groin or front of the hip, locking, clicking or a catching sensation in the hip. Hip labral tears are generally caused by trauma (IE. car accident), structural abnormalities, and repetitive motions (IE. twisting in golf).
In 2012, the Court in Macdonald v Hazel, 2012 BCSC 2079 awarded the injured person $80,000 for injuries that included a labral tear of the hip.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Right Superior Fracture of the Inferior Pubic Rami 
These fractures occur in the pelvic area and are often the result of a direct blow. These fractures often result from a fall from a standing position or in motor vehicle accidents. Common symptoms include: groin pain, leg pain, difficulty walking.
In 1992, the Court in Olah v Goedecke, [1992] BCJ No 2585 awarded the injured person $55,000 for injuries that included a pelvic fracture.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Receiving the Settlement You Deserve
People often believe that settlement value is mostly determined by the extent of the injury. While this is a factor, the most important information is how the injury has impacted your life. In other words, what does the injury prevent you from being able to do and how does this affect you?
I encourage you to view my previous article about seeking compensation for arm, wrist, and hand injuries, wherein I discuss, in greater detail, the injury and how victims can receive the compensation they deserve.
A thorough lawyer should take the time to fully understand your specific situation, including your life and responsibilities before and after your accident, to ensure you do not under-settle your case. By quantifying every possible loss, you are more likely to receive a just settlement that will help to ease the financial burdens that usually occur during recovery.
If you have sustained a personal injury at another party’s fault, please contact me and my team of experienced personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
*Roger R. Foisy is not a medical professional. The advice in this blog is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice.
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