My mother, 78 years old, fell and fracture her hip in front of a department store.

I am sorry to hear about your mother's injury.  There may be a case against the property owner.  What is missing from your description is what caused her to fall.  Was it ice on a sidewalk or in a parking lot?  If you can advise how she fell, I can better advise you if there is a potential case.  Also, were there any witnesses, did anyone get photographs of the condition?  Please post some more details.