Hip injuries include some of the most painful and excruciating conditions an individual can endure. When not treated properly, they can lead to varying levels of disability. When you get an injured hip at work, it’s important to file for a workers’ compensation claim and receive the benefits and medical attention you are entitled to. In this article, you will discover the causes of hip injuries in the workplace and learn more about the coverage of hip injuries by work comp insurance.
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What causes hip injuries in the workplace?
Hip injuries are not that uncommon and you may see them in many different occupations. If your work requires a lot of climbing, squatting, crawling, heavy lifting, and jumping, this can put a great amount of stress on your hips. Even everyday activities like standing for hours can cause severe hip issues.
What are the most common hip injuries in the workplace?
Whether you work in the office, workshop, warehouse, or at a construction site, these are some of the most common hip injuries you can sustain:
- Strains: Some of the most common types of hip strains include hamstring and groin pulls. They usually result from the overuse of the hip, as the cartilage connected to the muscle fiber tears, which may lead to chronic pain and spasms.
- Fractures: There are many ways you can sustain a hip fracture, whether you trip over something at the office, fall from a ladder, or get hit in a car accident. As a rule of thumb, a fractured hip requires surgery, followed by a long period of rehabilitation. It can keep you from work for at least several weeks, and decrease your general mobility after you return to your job. You may even be unable to perform some of your everyday tasks.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Hip bone fracture from a blunt injury or repeated overuse can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. If left untreated, this condition can elevate from a minor nuisance into a severe disability that will further decrease your productivity and general quality of life.
- Labral tears: When the bone tears from the cartilage in the hip socket (labrum) it may produce a loud “pop” in the hip. Shortly after the sound, you will start to feel intense pain.
- Burning thigh pain: This sensation is usually a sign of Meralgia Paresthetica, a medical condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer thigh. The underlying cause is in the nerve beneath the skin of the thigh that is compressed.
Is hip replacement surgery covered by workers’ comp?
Chronic hip pain is something you shouldn’t take lightly. It can become more severe over time and can be a symptom of a bevy of underlying issues. Whether it results from a slip or fall or indicates an underlying issue, over time, it may turn into a serious issue that can impair your movement and cause constant pain. In that case, it would require using walking aids on a regular basis or emergency replacement surgery. However, you may wonder if it would be covered by the insurance company.
The answer is not that straightforward, as it may depend on a variety of factors. The insurance provider may argue that your injury resulted from preexisting conditions or that it was caused by personal negligence. Of course, if you have proof and medical records on your side, the more likely that your claim would be accepted.
What should you do if you are being denied workers’ comp benefits for your hip injury?
In the case that your employer or the insurance carrier denies your request for monetary compensation, it’s important to know your rights and know how to file an appeal with the local board of workers’ compensation court. It’s useful to have experienced legal counsel in your corner to facilitate the work comp claim process and ensure that you receive maximum benefits. This way, you will get adequate help with your hip injury and ensure that you’re on your road to recovery.
