Experiencing head trauma in an accident, whether from a fall or a car crash, can lead to a fractured skull. This is a serious injury that could result in long-term health consequences, including brain damage. If you or a loved one sustained one of these serious injuries in Eagle River, knowing what steps to take next is vital. Below is an overview of the types of skull fractures you may suffer and the treatments they may require.
Common Types of Cranial Fractures and Their Treatments
There are a few skull fracture types that you can experience if you sustain head trauma.
Linear Skull Fracture
A linear skull fracture is perhaps the most common of these injuries. It typically involves the bone near the top of your head, above your ears. The bone doesn’t shift out of position with this type of injury. While a linear skull fracture doesn’t tend to cause significant complications in adults, it can lead to the malformation of the skull in children. Treating this injury usually requires keeping the head elevated as much as possible. Currently, there aren’t many interventions beyond elevation that doctors can perform to address it.
Basilar Skull Fracture
This type of fracture occurs at the base of the skull. It can result in bruising near the ears and around the eyes. It’s generally a more severe fracture than a linear one, and it can cause tears in the brain’s covering, leading to cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Although most of these injuries heal without needing surgery, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital for close monitoring. Antibiotics may be necessary.
Depressed Skull Fracture
A depressed skull fracture causes a segment of the skull to sink toward the brain. These wounds typically require surgery. They can be dangerous because they can result in brain injuries that could lead to cognitive issues. You may need antibiotics, even if you don’t receive surgery. The healing will probably need to take place at the hospital.
Diastatic Skull Fracture
This injury causes the separation of cranial sutures, which are the bands of tissue that connect your skull’s bones. Diastatic skull fractures are most common in infants, but they can occur in adults, too. Surgery may be needed to repair nearby tissue. Doctors will closely monitor the fracture as it heals to ensure that there isn’t increased pressure on the brain.
What Causes Skull Fractures?
Skull fractures can happen in many types of accidents involving blunt force trauma to the head. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Pedestrian accidents
- Assaults or other violent incidents
These injuries can range from moderate to life-threatening depending on the force of the impact and whether the brain is also injured.
How Can a Skull Fracture Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
A skull fracture can lead to major physical, emotional, and financial losses. Even when surgery is not required, you may still need emergency care, imaging tests, follow-up treatment, medication, and time away from work. In more serious cases, a skull fracture may also cause permanent impairments, cognitive problems, or ongoing pain. If another person’s negligence caused the accident, these losses may become part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Contact the Eagle River Brain Injury Lawyers at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A skull fracture is a serious injury that can affect every part of your life, from your health to your ability to work and care for your family. If you suffered a skull fracture because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. The Eagle River brain injury attorneys at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and take the next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage 2525 Gambell St #410, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River 13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101 Eagle River, AK 99577 (907) 802-4097
