A skull fracture is a head injury and needs to be taken seriously. The skull, after all, protects the brain, and any potential brain injuries are a major cause of concern. If you or someone you know has experienced a skull fracture from an accident or someone else’s negligence, it’s critical for you first to seek medical attention and then contact the Washington, DC skull fracture lawyers at The Lapidus Law Firm.
Causes of Skull Fractures
Not surprisingly, car accidents are one of the leading causes of skull fractures, though a skull fracture can certainly occur with a significant enough blow to the head. Skull fractures are also often caused by falling to the ground and hitting your head or being hit with an object. Regardless of how a blow to the skull occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately because there could be significant damage both to the head and beneath, which would be considered a medical emergency.
Types of Skull Fractures
There are a few several types of skull fractures, and each comes with its own severity level.
- Closed fracture: Also known as a simple fracture, with closed fractures, the skin that covers the fracture area isn’t broken or cut.
- Open fracture: On the other hand, an open fracture (also called a compound fracture) occurs when the bone emerges through the skin.
- Depressed fracture: As its name suggests, a depressed fracture causes the skull to depress–or indent–into the brain cavity.
- Basal fracture: This type of fracture occurs in the floor area of the skull, which is considered the areas around the ears, nose, eyes, or the top of the neck near the spine.
Symptoms of Skull Fractures
Depending on the type of fracture and the location, detecting the fracture may not be easy. Some types of fractures, like depressed and open, are evident to the naked eye…but others are not as easy to identify. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of skull fractures, though there are many, and they vary quite a bit. Below is a list of the serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
- Bleeding from the wound caused by the trauma, near the location of the trauma or around the eyes, ears, and nose
- Bruising around the trauma site, under the eyes (known as “raccoon eyes”), or behind the ears (Battle’s sign)
- Severe pain at the trauma site
- Redness or warmth at the trauma site
- Swelling at the trauma site
Some of the less severe symptoms are pretty common for various ailments, so a skull fracture may be more challenging to identify if these are the only apparent symptoms. If that is the case, it’s best to be cautious…if any of these symptoms appear after a blow to the head has been sustained, see a doctor or call 911 ASAP.
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Pupils not reacting to light
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Loss of balance
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Excessive drowsiness
- Fainting
Skull Fracture Treatments
Treatment for a skull fracture will depend on what type of fracture it is, how severe it is, and other factors like medical history, age, and current health. However, it is important to note that no two injuries are the same. If there is a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), surgery may be necessary. Depressed skull fractures often require surgery since the depression may not heal as quickly on its own and can lead to both cosmetic issues.
Washington, DC Skull Fracture Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a skull fracture resulting from an accident or someone’s negligence, you need a skilled attorney who has experience with these types of cases. That’s precisely what you’ll get at The Lapidus Law Firm. Our attorneys bring decades of experience to the table, as well as the tenacity to fight on your behalf for a fair, reasonable settlement. Call us at (202) 785-5111 to set up your initial free, no-obligation consultation.
We are committed to making justice work for you.