David J. Muñoz | May 1, 2026 | Personal Injury

Hip fractures can be debilitating injuries that require extensive medical care and prevent you from working or performing everyday tasks. If the injury occurred because of negligence or wrongful conduct, you may be able to begin a personal injury claim for compensation against the liable parties. 

Here’s a closer look at the types of hip fractures you can suffer, their treatments, and how an attorney can help. 

Types of Hip Fractures

There are several types of hip fractures, each defined by where the break occurs on the femur. Understanding these differences can help clarify the severity of the injury and the type of treatment that may be required.

Types of hip fractures include: 

• Femoral neck fractures: These occur within one to two inches of the hip joint. They can be particularly serious because they may disrupt blood flow to the head of the femur, which can complicate healing.
• Intertrochanteric fractures: These fractures occur about three to four inches from the hip joint. They are generally easier to repair than femoral neck fractures and often respond well to surgical treatment.
• Subtrochanteric fractures: These occur in the upper shaft of the femur, just below the hip joint. They are often associated with high-impact trauma and may require more complex surgical intervention.
• Hip stress fractures: These are small, hairline cracks in the bone that develop over time due to repetitive stress. They are more common in athletes and individuals with weakened bones.

Each type of hip fracture presents unique challenges, but all require prompt medical evaluation to ensure proper treatment and recovery.

Causes of Hip Fractures

Hip fractures can occur for several reasons, but most are caused by trauma or underlying conditions that weaken the bones.

Common causes of hip fractures include:

• Car accidents: High-impact collisions are a leading cause of hip fractures, particularly subtrochanteric fractures.
• Falls: Slip and fall accidents are another common cause. Older adults are especially at risk, as even minor falls can result in serious fractures.
• Repetitive stress: Stress fractures can develop over time due to repeated impact on the hip, often seen in athletes or highly active individuals.
• Low bone density: Conditions like osteoporosis weaken bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, even with minimal force.

Each of these causes can increase the risk of a hip fracture, especially when combined with age or existing health conditions.

Treating Hip Fractures

The type of hip fracture you’ve suffered will affect the treatment you receive. In most cases, however, surgery is necessary to repair the damage and restore mobility.

Common treatment options for hip fractures include:

• Internal fixation: Surgeons may use screws, plates, or rods to hold the broken bone together while it heals.
• Partial hip replacement: If the hip socket remains intact, only the damaged portion of the femur is replaced with a prosthesis.
• Total hip replacement: This procedure involves replacing both the hip socket and the upper portion of the femur with artificial components.
• Rehabilitation: After surgery, physical therapy is typically required to strengthen the hip, improve range of motion, and support recovery.

Treatment and recovery will vary depending on the severity of the fracture, but proper medical care and rehabilitation are essential for regaining function.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Hip Fracture in California

Hip fractures can be catastrophic injuries that prevent you from living your life normally for weeks or months at a time. The process of healing from these breaks is often complex and expensive, leaving you with significant medical bills to address in the aftermath. 

Fortunately, in California, if you suffered this injury because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you have the chance to recover your losses by filing a personal injury claim. You can obtain compensation to cover your medical expenses, the wages you have missed by being unable to work, and even the emotional and physical suffering you experienced. 

To have the best possible chance to succeed, it’s important to seek an attorney’s help. A personal injury lawyer will know what evidence to gather and how to present the case in a manner that most effectively shows the other party was responsible for your losses. 

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney

Experiencing a hip fracture in California can be overwhelming. From medical bills to diminished quality of life, the effects of these injuries can be far-reaching. With a personal injury attorney’s assistance, you can pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000