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Colorado Springs Hip Injury Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 27 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Why is a hip fracture treated as a serious injury?

Because of what it costs in independence, particularly for an older person.

A hip fracture typically means surgery, a long rehabilitation, and for many people a permanent reduction in mobility — and the recognised consequences include losing the ability to live independently. The claim therefore has to account for care and support, not only for the operation, and that is economic loss and uncapped.

Does a pre-existing condition reduce a hip injury claim?

Not by itself.

Osteoporosis or arthritis may explain why a fall broke the hip, but a defendant takes the person as they find them — being more vulnerable to injury is not a defence to having caused it. The dispute is usually narrower than the insurer suggests: what changed. Establishing the level of mobility and independence before the incident is what settles it.

Did You Suffer a Hip Injury in a Fall in Colorado Springs?

The hips are the widest part of the body and take the greatest impact in a fall. Hip injuries, including fractures, are common in slip and fall accidents. This type of injury can be extremely painful. Hip fractures can be particularly devastating for older people, as they can mean a loss of independent living.

Call a Colorado Springs hip injury attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation if you have been hurt in an accident.

Common Hip Injuries

Every year in the U.S., at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures, as stated by the CDC. While seniors are more likely to suffer hip injuries, accidents can happen with younger people as well. The following are among the most common hip injuries caused by falling:

Hip fracture: When the hip is fractured, it can cause pain in the upper thigh and groin as well as the hip. Most hip fractures require surgery. Older adults with osteoporosis have a higher risk of fracturing a hip in a fall.
Dislocated hip: Trauma can cause the ball of thigh bone to come out of the hip socket, dislocating the hip. Hip dislocation can cause acute pain. In some cases, a doctor can manipulate the thigh bone back into place. In other cases, surgery is required.
Hip strain: A strain can result from trauma to the muscles and tendons around the hip. This can cause radiating pain over the abdomen and the muscles of the buttocks. While some hip strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, others may require physical therapy or surgery.
Labral tear of the hip joint: A tear in the labrum (ring of cartilage around the hip joint socket) can cause limited range of motion, a clicking sensation, and pain that radiates to the groin. Osteoarthritis is a complication of a labral tear.
Snapping hip syndrome: With this condition, a popping sound or snapping sensation occurs with movement such as walking, swinging the leg, or getting up from a chair. It involves the iliotibial band of fibrous tissue extending down the outside of the upper leg. Snapping hip syndrome may be treated with cortisone injections, stretching exercises, over-the-counter medications, or icing the area.
Bursitis of the hip: Injury to the point of the hip from a fall or bump can cause bursitis. This occurs when the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints) become inflamed. People with hip bursitis may experience tenderness, warmth to the touch, and pain with movement.

How Do Hip Injuries Occur?

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of hip injuries. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually sideways, according to the CDC. Other causes of hip injuries include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents.

What Are Some Risk Factors for Hip Injuries?

Older people have a higher risk for hip injuries in a fall, because of balance problems, impaired vision, muscle weakness, or side effects from medications. Risk factors for hip injuries include:

Nutritional deficiencies
Physical inactivity
Chronic illness
Gender (women typically lose bone density faster than men)
Alcohol consumption
Inadequate lighting
Icy sidewalks
Slippery rugs
Clutter

Common Medical Complications With Hip Injuries

Most hip fractures require surgery, which comes with a risk of complications, including infection and pulmonary embolism. This type of injury can also immobilize a person for an extended period, which can lead to bed sores, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and urinary tract infections. Inactivity from a hip fracture can also lead to loss of muscle mass, which increases the risk of falling.

If you or your loved one has suffered hip injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation. Our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer can advise you whether you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.

Frequently Asked Questions for Colorado Springs Hip Injury Cases

When dealing with a hip injury in Colorado Springs, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand that your well-being and the success of your claim are of utmost importance. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you better understand the process:

Do I need an attorney for my hip injury case?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to have an experienced Colorado Springs hip injury lawyer by your side. The legal process can be complex, and an attorney can help you navigate it, protect your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

How much does it cost to hire a hip injury lawyer?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us any fees upfront. We only get paid when we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a hip injury claim in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. It’s essential to act promptly to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.

What types of compensation can I recover for my hip injury?

Compensation for a hip injury may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific types of compensation depend on the circumstances of your case.

How long does it take to resolve a hip injury claim?

The duration of a hip injury case can vary widely depending on factors like the complexity of the case, negotiations with insurance companies, and court proceedings. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others may take longer.

Should I speak with insurance adjusters on my own?

It’s advisable to avoid discussing your case with insurance adjusters without legal representation. They often aim to settle for the lowest amount possible, which may not be in your best interest. Your attorney can handle communications with them and protect your rights.

What should I do immediately after a hip injury in Colorado Springs?

Seek medical attention promptly, report the incident, document the scene if possible, and gather witness contact information. It’s also crucial to consult with an experienced hip injury lawyer to understand your legal rights and options.

Can I file a hip injury claim if the accident was partially my fault?

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still file a claim, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault.

How do I choose the right attorney for my hip injury case?

When selecting an attorney, consider their experience, track record, and their willingness to provide a free consultation. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we offer a no-obligation consultation to help you decide if we are the right fit for your case.

How long do I have to bring a claim for this injury in Colorado?

It depends on how you were hurt, not on the injury. Three years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); two years for most other causes — a fall, a defective product, an assault (C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a)); and only 182 days to serve written notice if a public entity is responsible (C.R.S. 24-10-109(1), which the statute makes jurisdictional). Confirm which one governs early rather than assuming the longest.

What does a hip injury claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A hip injury review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

Why is a hip injury more serious than it sounds?

Because the hip carries the body's weight. A fracture or labral tear affects walking, sitting, driving and sleeping at once, and in older adults a hip fracture is a marker for a lasting loss of independence rather than a single injury.

Who is liable for a hip injury?

Whoever caused the fall or the collision — a property owner for the condition that caused a fall, a driver, an employer's contractor.

Where is a hip injury claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most claims settle without a court appearance; if one does not, the lawsuit is filed there and must be filed before the deadline runs.

Why is the pre-existing-condition argument so common here?

Because degenerative change shows on almost every adult hip on imaging, and an insurer will attribute the symptoms to it. What matters is the change from the person's actual function before the incident, which is why prior records help rather than hurt.

How is a replacement handled in the claim?

A prosthetic hip has a service life and may need revision, so a claim involving replacement has to price the revision as well as the first operation. Because the claim has to cover treatment that has not happened yet. Settling before the long-term picture is clear is the most common way these are undervalued, and a settlement cannot be reopened when the real cost arrives.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.