A fractured hip is a painful injury that occurs frequently in elderly patients due to osteoporosis and balance problems. In younger people, broken hips occur when the body is involved in some type of trauma, such as a Carlisle car wreck.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball part of the joint is located at the top of the femur, or thigh bone. The socket is a cup-like structure located in the pelvis. A broken hip consists of one or more breaks in the top quarter of the femur. The following are some of the most common symptoms that a person with a fractured hip might experience:
- Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
- Severe lower back pain
- Severe pain that travels from the hip or groin down to the knee
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the hip or groin
- Foot may turn out abnormally on the injured side
- Leg on the injured side may appear shorter than the other
- Hip may be stiff, bruised or swollen
A broken hip is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek immediate medical attention. If you have suffered a hip fracture in a motor vehicle crash due to another driver’s negligence, we can help. The Harrisburg car accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer regularly work to help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (717) 888-8888. We will provide you with a complimentary case evaluation to help you understand your legal options. You may also wish to download a free copy of our book Who Pays the Bills When You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident? for more information.