Hip Fractures – Frequently Asked Questions

New York City Personal Injury Attorneys | Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

A hip fracture or serious hip injury can change your life in seconds. One moment you are walking on a Manhattan sidewalk, climbing subway stairs in Brooklyn, or shopping in Queens. Next, you are in severe pain, facing emergency surgery, a long rehabilitation, lost income, and serious questions about your future.

If you or a loved one suffered a broken hip in New York City because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve clear answers, strong legal representation, and real support.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is a New York City personal injury law firm that represents hip fracture victims throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

• Free consultation
• No fee unless we win
• Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to speak with a New York City hip fracture lawyer today

Why Hip Fractures Are So Serious

Your hip joint supports your body every time you stand, walk, climb, or sit. When that joint is fractured or badly damaged, the consequences can be devastating.

A hip fracture often means:

• Severe pain in the hip, groin, or upper thigh
• Inability to walk or put weight on the injured leg
• Emergency surgery using screws, plates, rods, or a partial or total hip replacement
• Hospitalization followed by months of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Long-term or permanent limits on mobility and independence

For older adults, a broken hip frequently leads to:

• Loss of the ability to live independently
• Bedsores, infections, blood clots, and pneumonia due to immobility
• Muscle loss and higher risk of future falls and fractures
• Serious medical decline and increased risk of early death

Even younger adults can suffer:

• Chronic hip pain and stiffness
• Early arthritis in the hip joint
• Reduced ability to work or participate in sports and physical activities
• Possible need for future surgeries

When a New York City property owner, driver, employer, nursing home, or medical provider causes this level of harm through negligence, they can and should be held accountable under New York law.

What Is a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur, near the hip joint. It often results from a fall directly onto the hip or from a high-energy impact, such as a motor vehicle collision or a fall from height.

Common Types of Hip Fractures and Injuries

• Femoral neck fractures
  It occurs just below the hip joint ball. This area is structurally weak. Fractures here can disrupt blood flow to the femoral head and often require urgent surgery, especially in elderly patients.
• Intertrochanteric fractures
  It occurs slightly lower on the femur, between the bony projections called trochanters. These fractures are very painful, often caused by sideways falls, and are typically treated with screws, plates, or rods.
• Intracapsular fractures
  Occur within the hip joint capsule and directly affect the ball-and-socket joint. These injuries are difficult to repair and often require surgery followed by extended rehabilitation.

Other serious hip injuries include:

• Dislocations
  The ball of the femur is forced out of the socket, usually from severe trauma such as a car or truck collision or a fall down stairs. This is an emergency that may also involve nerve damage and long-term joint problems.
• Soft tissue injuries
  Tears and severe strains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the hip, labral tears, bursitis, and tendonitis can all cause intense pain and limited motion. Some require surgery in addition to rest and therapy.
• Stress fractures and chronic pain conditions
  Repetitive stress, prior injuries, or underlying bone loss can cause small fractures and chronic hip pain that make working and everyday activities difficult.

Whether your hip injury involves a complete fracture, a dislocation, or severe soft tissue damage, you may have a legal claim if another person or entity caused the accident.

Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications

Signs of a Hip Fracture

After a fall or collision in New York City, you should suspect a hip fracture if you notice:

• Severe pain in your hip or groin
• Inability to stand or walk
• Inability to put weight on the injured leg
• The injured leg looks shorter or is turned outward
• Swelling, bruising, and stiffness around the hip
• Intense pain when moving, lifting, or rotating the leg

These symptoms are medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in NYC right away.

Typical Treatment for Hip Fractures

Most significant hip fractures in New York hospitals are treated with:

• Surgery

• Internal fixation using screws, plates, rods, or nails
• Partial hip replacement, where the ball portion of the joint is replaced
• Total hip replacement, where both the ball and socket components are replaced
• Hospitalization and early rehabilitation

• Pain control and medical monitoring
• Encouraging safe movement and walking with assistance as soon as possible
• Physical and occupational therapy to restore strength and function

Recovery typically takes 6 to 12 months or longer. Some patients regain close to their prior level of function. Others live with permanent limitations and require long-term care or assistive devices.

Possible Complications

Hip fractures and hip surgeries are associated with significant risks, including:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Pneumonia or other breathing problems
• Heart issues, stroke, and kidney complications in vulnerable patients
• Pressure sores from prolonged immobility
• Nonunion, where the bone does not heal properly
• Avascular necrosis, where bone tissue dies due to poor blood supply
• Loosening, failure, or dislocation of an artificial hip implant
• Long-term pain, stiffness, and loss of independence

When we pursue a hip fracture lawsuit in New York City, we account for these potential complications when calculating long-term damages and future medical needs.

Common Causes of Hip Fractures in New York City

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we regularly see hip fractures and hip injuries that result from negligence in typical NYC settings.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Many New York hip fractures are caused by falls on dangerous property, such as:

• Wet or greasy supermarket, restaurant, or lobby floors
• Broken, uneven, or uplifted sidewalks
• Loose or torn carpets, mats, and floor tiles
• Cluttered aisles and walkways in stores or offices
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, and building entrances
• Icy or uncleared sidewalks and steps during winter in New York City

Under New York premises liability law, property owners, landlords, management companies, and commercial tenants can be liable if they fail to keep their premises reasonably safe or fail to warn about hazards.

Stairway and Building Hazards

Falls on stairs and in buildings can occur because of:

• Broken or missing handrails
• Crumbling, irregular, or steep steps
• Spills and debris left on stairs
• Uneven transitions between surfaces
• Unsafe landings, ramps, or platforms

Landlords, building owners, and managing agents in New York City have specific duties under building codes and safety regulations. When they ignore those duties, they can be held responsible.

Motor Vehicle and Traffic Accidents

Hip injuries are common in:

• Car and truck accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
• Pedestrians struck in crosswalks, at intersections, or near bus stops
• Cyclists hit by vehicles or forced off the road

The impact of a crash can drive the knee into the dashboard, dislocate the hip, or fracture the femur or pelvis at the hip joint. These injuries often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

New York City workers can suffer hip fractures in:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or elevated platforms
• Slips or trips on debris and unsafe work surfaces
• Being struck by falling tools or materials
• Vehicle and heavy equipment incidents at job sites

These cases often involve both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims against negligent third parties such as property owners, contractors, and subcontractors.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Hip fractures in nursing homes and assisted living facilities often occur when:

• Residents at high risk of falling are not adequately supervised
• Staff fail to use bed alarms, chair alarms, or appropriate assistive devices
• Bathrooms, hallways, and common areas are unsafe or poorly maintained
• Staffing levels are too low to provide safe assistance

These facilities have clear obligations to protect vulnerable residents. When they fail in those duties and a resident suffers a hip fracture, they can be held liable for negligence and violations of resident rights.

Medical Negligence and Defective Hip Implants

Some hip injuries and complications are caused by:

• Surgical errors during hip replacement or other hip procedures
• Failure to diagnose or treat post-surgical complications
• Defective hip replacement devices that loosen, break, or cause tissue damage

These situations may involve New York medical-malpractice and product-liability claims against surgeons, hospitals, and device manufacturers.

Your Legal Rights After a Hip Fracture in NYC

If your hip fracture or hip injury was caused by negligence, New York law may allow you to bring a personal injury claim for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehab, medication, and future treatment
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior job or hours
• Pain and suffering for the physical pain, limitations, and discomfort you endure
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Costs of home health care, home health aides, or long-term nursing care
• Home modifications such as ramps, stair lifts, or grab bars
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
• Loss of consortium in severe cases where a spouse is affected

Time Limits for New York City Hip Fracture Claims

In many New York City hip fracture lawsuits, the general statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.

Shorter time limits may apply when:

• The incident involves City of New York property, the MTA, or another public authority
• A formal Notice of Claim must be filed, often within 90 days
• The claim involves medical malpractice or a defective medical device

Because missing a deadline can permanently bar a claim, it is critical to speak with an experienced New York City hip fracture attorney as soon as possible.

Who May Be Liable in a Hip Fracture Case?

Depending on how your accident occurred, potentially liable parties may include:

• Building owners, landlords, and property managers
• Commercial tenants such as supermarkets, retail stores, and restaurants
• Management companies responsible for maintenance and safety
• The City of New York or other public entities, in cases involving public sidewalks, streets, subways, or other public areas
• Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers
• Drivers and vehicle owners, including employers of commercial drivers
• Contractors, subcontractors, and other third parties at construction and work sites
• Hospitals, surgeons, and medical device manufacturers in hip replacement and malpractice cases

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our job is to identify every responsible party and pursue every available source of insurance coverage for you.

What To Do After a Hip Injury in New York City

If you or a family member has suffered a hip fracture in NYC:

1. Get emergency medical care immediately
   Your health should always come first. Prompt medical treatment also creates crucial documentation for your hip fracture claim.
2. Report the incident

2. Fall in a store or building: report it to management or security and ask for an incident report.
3. Sidewalk or street fall: call the police and document the exact location.
4. Motor vehicle crash: call the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
5. Nursing home fall: insist that the facility document the incident and provide a complete medical evaluation.
6. Document the scene and your injuries
   If you are able, or a family member can help:

3. Take photos and videos of the hazard, such as spills, ice, broken steps, poor lighting, or debris.
4. Photograph your clothing and footwear.
5. Keep copies of incident reports and get names and contact information for witnesses.

4. Follow all medical advice
   Attend all appointments, follow therapy recommendations, and take your prescribed medications. Gaps in treatment can hurt both your health and your legal case.
5. Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP quickly
   Evidence disappears fast in New York City. Surveillance footage can be erased, conditions can be repaired, and witnesses can become hard to locate. Early involvement of a New York City hip fracture lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for a Hip Fracture Case in NYC?

When you are dealing with a serious hip injury, you need a law firm that understands both the medical and legal challenges and that knows New York City inside and out.

NYC Focus and Convenience

• Local Harlem office for neighborhood access and trust
• Additional offices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• Easy access for clients throughout the five boroughs and nearby counties

Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we focus on personal injury law and represent accident victims, not insurance companies. Hip fractures, fall injuries, and severe trauma cases are a key part of our practice.

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Our Fee Guarantee:

• The call is free
• The consultation is free
• You do not pay us any legal fee unless we are successful in recovering compensation for you

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• Top-rated, award-winning New York personal injury lawyers, with recognition such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials that reflect our commitment to service and results

Bilingual Services and Client-Centered Approach

• Bilingual staff available, so language is not a barrier to justice
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
• We keep you informed, answer your questions, and treat you and your family with respect

Our firm’s motto is simple and powerful:

“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

If someone’s carelessness has already injured you, do not let an insurance company or negligent party victimize you again.

Serious injury. Serious representation.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) now to speak with a New York City hip fracture attorney.

Hip Fractures – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are detailed answers to some of the most common questions we receive from hip fracture clients in New York City.

1. Are hip fractures really that serious, or will they heal with time?

Severe hip fractures are not minor injuries. They often require surgery, hospitalization, and months of rehabilitation. Many people do not return to their prior level of mobility. Older adults, in particular, face high risks of complications, loss of independence, and long-term disability.

Even younger people may have lasting effects such as chronic pain, arthritis, and work limitations.

2. How do I know if I have a valid hip fracture claim in New York City?

You may have a valid hip fracture case if:

• A dangerous condition or careless act caused your fall or accident, and
• The property owner, driver, employer, nursing home, or another party failed to act reasonably, and
• That negligence directly led to your hip fracture or serious hip injury

Examples include:

• A supermarket that ignores a spill in an aisle
• A landlord who fails to repair broken stairs or handrails
• A driver who speeds, fails to yield, or runs a red light
• A nursing home that does not supervise a known fall risk resident

A free consultation with a New York City hip injury attorney is the best way to evaluate your specific situation.

3. What if I already had osteoporosis or weak bones?

You can still recover compensation. New York follows the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, which means that a negligent party is responsible for the full extent of your injuries even if you were more vulnerable because of a preexisting condition such as osteoporosis.

If someone’s negligence caused a fall that fractured your hip, the law does not excuse them simply because your bones were fragile.

4. What hip injuries are considered medical emergencies?

You should seek emergency care immediately if you:

• Suspect a hip fracture and have severe pain, cannot bear weight, or notice a shorter or outwardly turned leg
• Experience a hip dislocation after trauma and cannot move the leg
• Have sudden numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the leg after a fall or surgery
• Develop signs of infection or blood clots after hip surgery, such as fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath

If you have any doubts, please get evaluated at a New York City emergency room. Quick treatment helps protect both your health and your legal rights.

5. How long does a hip injury case usually take in New York?

The timeline of a hip fracture case depends on:

• How long does it take to understand your long-term medical prognosis
• The complexity of the facts and liability issues
• The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial

Some New York City hip injury cases resolve in several months. More serious or complex cases, especially those involving permanent disability or multiple defendants, can take a year or more. Our goal is to obtain fair compensation without rushing you into an unfair settlement.

6. Do I have to go to court to receive compensation?

Not always. Many hip fracture and hip injury claims in New York are resolved through negotiations and settlements with insurance companies.

However, if the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, we may recommend filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial. Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, prepares every case as if it might be presented to a jury. This approach often leads to better settlement offers and puts you in a stronger position if a trial becomes necessary.

7. Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for my fall?

Yes. New York uses a comparative negligence system. You can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of responsibility reduces your award.

For example, if your total damages are 500,000 dollars and you are found 20 percent at fault, your recovery would be 400,000 dollars.

Insurance companies often try to blame the victim to reduce payouts. As your NYC hip fracture lawyers, we push back against unfair blame and focus on the negligent conduct that truly caused your injury.

8. What compensation can I recover in a New York hip fracture lawsuit?

You may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses: past and future treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehab, and medication
• Lost wages: income lost while you are unable to work
• Loss of earning capacity: if you cannot return to your prior job or income level
• Pain and suffering: for physical pain and limitations
• Emotional distress: anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
• Loss of consortium for a spouse in severe cases

We work with medical and economic experts to fully document your losses and present a compelling damages claim.

9. What if my hip fracture happened at work?

If you suffered a hip injury in a New York City workplace accident, you may have:

• A workers’ compensation claim that covers medical care and a portion of lost wages, and
• A separate personal injury claim if a third party, such as a property owner, subcontractor, or negligent driver, contributed to your accident

Workers’ compensation typically bars lawsuits against your employer, but does not bar claims against other responsible parties. A personal injury case can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering that workers’ comp does not cover.

10. Can I sue for a failed or defective hip replacement or for nerve damage after surgery?

You may be able to bring a claim if:

• Your hip implant was defective, failed prematurely, or caused tissue damage
• Your surgeon or hospital did not follow accepted medical standards
• You were not adequately warned about risks, or complications were mishandled

These cases can involve:

• Product liability claims against hip implant manufacturers
• Medical malpractice claims against surgeons and hospitals

Nerve damage after hip replacement may also be actionable if it resulted from negligent technique or improper care, not from a risk that was managed correctly.

11. When should I contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP about a hip fracture?

You should contact us as soon as possible if:

• You suffered a hip fracture or hip injury in a fall, car crash, workplace accident, or nursing home
• You or a family member experienced complications from a hip replacement or hip surgery
• You are unsure whether someone else’s negligence played a role in your injury

Early legal advice helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, and avoid missed deadlines.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) now to schedule a free consultation with a New York City hip fracture attorney.

Talk To A New York City Hip Fracture Lawyer Today

A hip fracture can affect every part of your life. You may be worried about medical bills, your ability to work, how to care for a loved one, and whether you can safely stay in your home.

You don’t need to worry about this alone.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is committed to:

• Listening to your story
• Explaining your options in clear, honest terms
• Taking on the insurance companies and negligent parties for you
• Fighting for the maximum compensation allowed under New York law

We represent hip fracture victims and their families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.

• Free consultation
• No fee unless we win
• Bilingual services available

Do not be a victim twice.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP online today to start protecting your rights and your future after a hip fracture in New York City.