Hip – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from hip injuries as a result of an accident is between $36,373 – $137,310 [adjusted for 2023 inflation rates]. The general damage award amounts for each individual case below have not been adjusted for inflation. For your convenience, the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator can be accessed here.

As described in our General Damages Guide, these awards are only for general damages which compensate you for your pain and suffering. There are other types of damages that you may be entitled to claim, such as lost income and medical care costs, depending on the circumstances of your case. To assess the total value of your injury claim, try our Injury Claim Calculator or book a free consultation.

Injury Claim Calculator

The case law

Tibbetts v. Murphy, 2017 NSCA 35

• The 51-year-old plaintiff was struck by an oncoming truck while driving her motorcycle. She suffered a dislocated and fractured hip, fractured left tibia, fractured left fibula, soft tissue injuries. She was completely immobile when discharged from the hospital and severely limited in function for several months. She required assistance for basic functions and had ongoing pain in her hip, leg, and back, and suffered frequent nightmares. She received $30,000 in general damages.

Ur-Rahman v. Mahatoo, 2014 ONSC 2636

• The 54-year-old plaintive slipped and fell on a friend’s driveway and was seriously injured. He suffered a fractured hip and fractured femur, which required him to undergo surgery for insertion of hardware in his hip. He was limited in weight-bearing and walking for several months after the accident occurred. He required a subsequent surgery to remove the hardware. The plaintiff was left with ongoing moderate limitations, as well as adjustment disorder, chronic major depressive disorder, significant symptoms of anxiety, and his prognosis for recovery was poor. He received $90,000 in general damages.

Thompson v. Van Der Laan, 2005 NBQB 349

• The plaintiff, a 42-year-old security officer, was injured when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic. He suffered an injury to his hip that caused him to suffer pain and discomfort, which was unlikely to improve. The injury resulted in substantial weight gain, putting his general health at risk, and also affected his ability to participate in household duties and sports. He was awarded $30,000 in general damages.

Fost v. Badcock, 2005 NLTD 213

• The plaintiff, a 49-year-old heavy-duty mechanic, was injured when he was struck by a vehicle. He sustained a complex and severe hip fracture and was hospitalized for three months. He underwent an open reduction and fixation surgery. The nature of the injury caused secondary osteoarthritis resulting in significant degenerative changes, with restricted range of movement. Four years after the accident, he underwent a total hip replacement, and was unable to return to his employment. The injury had a devastating effect on his lifestyle. He now walked with a limp and would likely need another hip replacement. He was awarded $95,000 in general damages.

Grant v. Cormier, 2004 NBQB 182

• The plaintiff, a 51-year-old taxi driver, suffered injuries when his vehicle was struck broadside on the passenger side. He suffered a category 2 whiplash injury superimposed on pre-existing asymptomatic degenerative disc disease, an exacerbation of his pre-existing left shoulder injury, and a contusion to his left hip, which left him with considerable discomfort. He remained off work for three weeks. The injuries to his spine and shoulder improved to normal over time. The injury to his hip caused considerable discomfort and was expected to continue to cause chronic pain and limit pursuits that the plaintiff enjoyed in the past. He was awarded $25,000 in general damages.

Ryan v. Holiday Inn, 2000 CanLII 20 (NS SC)

• The 63-year-old plaintiff suffered injuries to his right hip and chest when he slipped and fell on the defendant’s property. Two of his teeth were loosened, and he eventually lost one of them. The mouth and chest injuries were painful for a few weeks, but then resolved. The hip injury, however, left the plaintiff with trochanteric bursitis, a condition that was unlikely to resolve. The plaintiff was left with a significant limp. He was unable to walk for long distances. His ability to concentrate on his cardiac therapy was impaired, and the pain of the bursitis sometimes contributed to the onset of angina attacks. He was awarded $25,000 in general damages.

Gaum v. D.G. Wolfe Enterprises Ltd., 1998 CanLII 2144 (NS SC)

• The 43-year-old plaintiff slipped and fell on ice on the defendant’s premises. He suffered a fractured hip and opted for the non-surgical approach of immobilization. The pain lessened after a while, but 11 years post accident it was back to his initial level. He was unable to walk any distance or stand for long periods of time, and a hip replacement would be required in the future. He received $60,000 in general damages.