Average Workers' Comp Hip Injury Settlements in 2024

According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) almost 16,500 workers had on-the-job hip injuries. Of those, two out of five workers missed a month or more of work while they recovered.¹

If a workplace injury leaves you with a hip injury, you could qualify for weekly wage replacement and medical care paid by workers’ compensation. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also be able to negotiate a sizable workers’ comp settlement.

How much is the average workers' comp hip injury settlement?

The average workers’ comp hip injury settlement is $60,155, according to data from the National Safety Council (NSC) released in 2023. That total payment represents $24,416 as an indemnity payment (covering lost wages) and an additional $35,739 for medical care.²

It’s important to note that this amount is a national average. How much your case settles for depends on the exact hip injury you have, how it affects your ability to work, and your regular income.

Workers with a crush injury, for example, settled for an average of $62,000, while those with a cumulative injury — like arthritis — received just under $17,000, according to NSC data. Injuries that result in amputation, on the other hand, typically receive the largest average settlements of about $126,000. You could also receive a higher payout if you have surgery.

Why your hip settlement could be higher

If you have a hip injury that leaves you unable to work at all, you’re likely eligible for a higher settlement. The longer you can’t work, the bigger the payout you could negotiate. Since older individuals tend to experience longer recovery times, they usually receive higher workers’ comp settlements.

Other injuries — like to your legs or knees — could increase your final settlement. Pre-existing conditions that are made worse by your injury — such as arthritis — can also lead to affect your payout.

Similarly, hip surgery could lead to a higher settlement since recovery can require significant time out of work. If you then experienced complications or surgery didn’t have the desired impact, you could negotiate a still higher payment.

Hip injuries that qualify for workers’ comp

All hip injuries qualify for workers’ comp as long as the injury meets three basic criteria:

• The injury happened at work or resulted from doing your job.

• The injury kept you out of work for significant time — generally days or weeks.

• You quickly reported the injury to your employer.

You have a limited number of days to report your injury to your employer and missing that deadline will disqualify you from receiving any workers’ comp benefits.

Unfortunately, you also need to be an employee to receive benefits. Independent contractors, gig workers, and freelancers don’t qualify for workers’ compensation.

Examples of workers’ comp hip injuries

Any injury that causes weakness, pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion in your hips can qualify for workers’ comp benefits. You are also eligible whether you were injured in a one-time accident or from repetitive strain over time. For example, osteoarthritis that develops after years of working will get you benefits as long as you can show through medical documents that your work activities caused or significantly contributed to it.

Some examples of common workers’ comp hip injuries are:

• Bursitis (like trochanteric bursitis)

• Dislocations

• Hip adductor strains

• Hip dysplasia

• Hip flexor strains

• Hip fractures (including stress fractures)

• Gluteus tears

• Impingements (like a femoroacetabular impingement, FAI)

• Labral tears or anterior tears

• Nerve damage

• Osteoarthritis

• Pelvis injuries

• Thigh and hamstring injuries

• Sprains

• Tendonitis in the iliopsoas tendon

Learn more about the injuries that qualify for workers’ comp.

When workers’ comp will offer a settlement

Not every workers’ compensation claim will end in a settlement. You’re more likely to get one if you’re out of work for a long time, especially if you’ve reached your maximum medical improvement (MMI) and may need permanent disability benefits. Before you reach MMI, it’s more likely with injuries that will keep you from working or will limit your ability to work indefinitely. Settlements are also more common for hip injuries that require intensive medical care or long-term treatment. Claims involving an unpredictable recovery could also lead insurance to offer a deal.

Ultimately, the insurance company is trying to limit how much it pays you. It could choose to offer a settlement anytime it thinks that ending your case now could save them money in the long term. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that settling is the best financial move for you. It’s a good idea to consult with a workers’ comp lawyer before you reach an agreement with the insurer.

Learn more: When Workers’ Comp Could Offer a Settlement

What you should do if you get a settlement offer

If you get a settlement offer, you can do one of three things:

1. Accept the settlement.

2. Reject the settlement and continue receiving benefits.

3. Negotiate for a better settlement.

These could all be good options for you depending on your unique circumstances, though most people benefit from negotiating. The insurer is looking out for its profits, so it’s unlikely to offer you the best right off the bat. It also has its own lawyer (if not a whole team) who works to limit the amount the company spends on claims.

Since calculating a fair settlement isn’t easy — you need to estimate the cost of current and future medical care plus future lost wages and any other expenses related to the injury — we recommend talking with a professional. A workers’ comp lawyer is trained in your local workers’ comp procedures, and they’ll know better how to negotiate a payout that reflects the true cost of your injury.

Related: Situations When You Should Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

How much workers’ comp pays if you don’t settle

In most states, workers’ comp benefits pay up to two-thirds (66.67%) of your average wages. So if you don’t settle, that’s how much you’ll receive through payments every one to two weeks. All medical expenses related to your injury should also be paid by insurance. If you reach maximum medical improvement but still can’t work, you’ll transition to permanent disability benefits, which pay at lower rates in many areas.

For a more accurate estimate, check the workers’ comp rates in your state.

How long payments last

Most states offer workers’ comp benefits until you return to work, agree to a settlement, or reach MMI — however long that takes. If your doctor determines you’ve recovered as much as possible but still can’t return to work, you can automatically transition to permanent workers’ comp. Permanent payments rarely last the rest of your life, though. How long yours last will vary based on where you live, which part of your body was injured, and the disability rating or impairment rating your workers’ comp doctor assigns.

See how long workers’ comp lasts in your state.

Do you need a workers’ comp lawyer?

While you don’t need a workers’ comp lawyer, having one can simplify the whole workers’ compensation process for you. In addition to calculating a reasonable payout for your hip injury, a lawyer can help you argue for more medical care (paid by insurance) and treatment from more independent providers. They’ll fight for your rights throughout the process to prevent insurance from cutting corners or taking advantage of you. If you could qualify for additional types of benefits, a lawyer will be able to explain your options.

Reputable workers’ compensation lawyers also offer free consultations and won’t ask for any payment upfront. You only pay their fee after you get your settlement. And since the average settlement with an Atticus lawyer is double what people get on their own, you’re earning money by having a lawyer, even after you pay the lawyer fee.

To get your questions answered and take back control of your workers’ comp claim today, complete our 3-minute intake quiz or call us at the number below.

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