Atlanta Hip Injuries Lawyer

Experiencing a hip injury can be a life-altering event, impacting your ability to walk, work, and enjoy everyday activities. If your hip injury was caused by the negligence of another party or occurred at work in Georgia, you may have legal options available to seek compensation for your losses. Having an experienced hip injury attorney by your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you need. The Atlanta hip injuries lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is available to discuss your case with you for free when you call us at 404-975-1775.

Common Types and Causes of Hip Injuries in Georgia

Hip injuries can range in severity and have various causes. The hip joint is the largest joint in the body as it supports the weight of the upper body and allows for significant movement of your legs. Due to its function and location, the hip is susceptible to injury from both sudden trauma or gradual wear and tear.

Some common types of hip injuries include:

• Hip Fractures: Breaks in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) or the pelvis.
• Hip Dislocations: Occurs when the head of the femur is forced out of the hip socket.
• Hip Labral Tears: Tears in the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip joint, which provides stability and cushioning. Significant force or twisting can cause these tears.
• Muscle Strains or Ruptures: Damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the hip joint, such as the hip flexors, adductors, and hamstrings. These can result from sudden movements, repetitive strain, or overuse.
• Hip Bursitis or Tendinitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) or tendons that support the hip joint.
• Arthritis: Inflammation and pain within the hip joint.
• Contusions: Bruises resulting from a direct blow to the hip.

There are many ways that hip injuries can arise in Georgia, however some injuries are more common than others. Some of the more common causes of hip injuries that occur in Georgia are workplace accidents, car accidents, or premises liability accidents where the injury occured on someone else’s property that was unsafe to use. The number one cause for hip injuries, however, are falls. In 2019, approximately 88% of hip fracture-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations among older adults in the United States were caused by falls. Hip fractures are often the resulting injury of a fall, which generally requires numerous medical visits and physical therapy after the hip has healed.

The Atlanta hip injuries lawyer team at our firm is here for you when you experience a hip injury, whether it be from a workplace accident or through the neglect of someone else on their property. If you find yourself with a hip injury, you need an experienced hip injury attorney by your side to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After You Suffer a Hip Injury

If you suffer a hip injury, seeking immediate medical attention is critical. Even seemingly minor symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to establish documentation of your injuries and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Following medical recommendations for treatment is essential for your recovery and strengthens any potential legal claim.

Beyond medical care, building a strong legal case requires gathering and preserving evidence. This evidence can include:

• Accident reports (police reports for car accidents, incident reports for work injuries or slip/falls).
• Photographs and videos of the accident scene, the cause of the injury, and your injuries.
• Witness names and contact information, and witness statements.
• All medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment and recovery.
• Proof of lost wages and other income/benefits.
• A journal detailing your pain, symptoms, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
• Any damaged property, including clothing or vehicles.
• Medical aids like crutches or braces.

It is crucial that you maintain as much information as possible, as it can deteriorate or disappear over time. Determining what documents you need for legal remedies is often challenging and confusing, which is why our Atlanta hip injuries lawyer team is here for you to go through all the documentation for you. Call us today at 404-975-1775 for a free consultation to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Legal Options for Hip Injuries in Georgia

In Georgia, you generally have two main legal avenues for seeking compensation after a hip injury: workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.

#1: Workers’ Compensation

If your hip injury occurred while you were working, you are likely covered by Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove your employer or anyone else was at fault for the injury, only that it happened on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover necessary medical treatment without caps or limits, provide partial wage replacement for lost income, offer disability benefits for permanent impairment, and potentially cover vocational rehabilitation or death benefits in fatal cases.
To pursue a claim, you must usually notify your employer of the injury within 30 days. You then generally have one year from the date of injury to file a claim for benefits with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Employers or their insurance companies may dispute or deny claims, and navigating the required panel of physicians can be complicated. The Atlanta hip injuries lawyer team at our firm can help appeal denied claims and guide you through the process.

#2: Personal Injury Claims/Lawsuits

If your hip injury was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another party (someone other than your employer in most cases), you may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Unlike workers’ compensation, these claims generally require you to prove that the responsible party was at fault or negligent. However, if your injury was caused by a defective product, like faulty machinery at work, you may only need to prove the product was defective.

Potentially liable parties could include product manufacturers, independent contractors, property owners, or other motorists. Through a successful personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Important Georgia Personal Injury Laws

Knowing the law and deadlines for legal documents to be submitted is imperative to winning a compensation case in Georgia. When you have an Atlanta hip injuries lawyer on your side, you can be sure that they are experienced in hip injury law and navigating the legal system.

There are several key laws in Georgia that impact personal injury claims, including those for hip injuries:

• Statute of Limitations: There is a strict time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
• Modified Comparative Negligence: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your hip injury, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies may try to argue you were partially responsible to reduce the payout. An attorney can work to minimize your assigned blame.
• Damage Calculations: Georgia law allows for recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, can be calculated using methods like the multiplier or per diem method. There is no cap on non-economic damages in Georgia, but punitive damages are generally capped at $250,000, with exceptions for cases like drunk driving or when specific intent to harm is shown.

How an Atlanta Hip Injuries Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating the complexities of a hip injury claim in Georgia can be challenging, especially while focusing on recovery from a hip injury. An experienced Atlanta hip injuries lawyer from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is crucial to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

A lawyer can assist with many vital aspects of your case such as navigating the legal system, meeting deadlines, gathering and preserving evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, calculating and maximizing compensation, or handling disputes and appeals.

Selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after a serious injury. A hip injury can lead to significant pain, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term challenges, all of which could be life altering. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate the complex legal process alone. Understanding your rights under Georgia law and seeking timely legal guidance from an Atlanta hip injuries lawyer are crucial steps toward obtaining the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

If you have suffered a hip injury in Georgia due to someone else’s fault or at work, contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 404-975-1775 for a free consultation. Our attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.