Hip injuries are among the most serious injuries a worker can suffer, especially when they involve fractures or structural damage that requires surgery. In Queens, workers in physically demanding fields like construction, home health care, and food service face real risk every day. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we represent injured Queens workers, including those who have suffered debilitating hip injuries on the job.
How Hip Injuries Happen on the Job in Queens
Hip injuries at work are usually the result of sudden trauma, though repetitive strain can also cause problems over time. Common causes include:
- Falls from heights at construction sites throughout Queens
- Slip and fall incidents on wet or debris-covered floors
- Being struck by a vehicle in a loading or parking area
- Lifting extremely heavy loads that cause stress fractures
- Prolonged physical labor that wears down the hip joint over time
Types of Hip Injuries Workers Face
Hip injuries span a wide range in terms of severity. Workers commonly suffer:
- Hip fractures, which are particularly dangerous for workers over 40
- Labral tears from twisting or heavy impact
- Hip bursitis from repeated physical stress
- Avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the hip bone is disrupted
- Dislocation from a high-impact accident at work
Fractures and dislocations often require surgery, followed by weeks or months of recovery during which working may be impossible.
The Road to Recovery and What It Costs
Hip injuries often come with high medical costs. Surgery alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Add in physical therapy, imaging, prescription medications, and any necessary home modifications, and the bills add up quickly.
Your employer’s insurance is required to cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work-related hip injury. Lost wages during recovery may also be available.
Filing Your Claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board
After a hip injury at work, you must report the injury to your employer and file a claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. Under NY WCL § 18, you must give notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury. According to NY WCL § 28, you have two years to file your formal claim. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your right to benefits.
Reporting the injury verbally is not enough. Put it in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If your employer discourages you from filing or tries to handle it informally, that’s a warning sign, and speaking with an attorney right away is in your best interest.
When an Employer or Insurer Pushes Back
Hip injury claims can involve large payouts, which means insurance companies sometimes fight them hard. They may question how the injury happened, dispute the severity, or request independent medical examinations that favor their position.
Our Queens workers’ compensation lawyers are here and ready to push back on your behalf. We work to make sure your injury is properly documented, your rights are protected, and your claim is handled from start to finish.
Ready to benefit from our representation? Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online today.
