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There are over 2.5 million emergency room visits for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) a year. Skull fractures are among these TBIs, with one of the most common causes being falls. All head injuries should be treated immediately, as they can have life-altering effects. After treatment, we want to help fight for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of skull fractures that can result from falls, their potential causes, and warning signs to watch for. We’ll also dive into the legal rights and options available to victims of falls in Bryan, Texas, including personal injury claims and workers’ compensation benefits.
Types of Skull Fractures from Falls
Falls can cause many different types of head and skull fractures, ranging from pretty minor to life-threatening brain injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Linear skull fractures: These are simple breaks or cracks in the skull. Although they are concerning and should be treated as serious, this kind of fracture doesn’t always cause damage to the brain itself because the fractured pieces may not be displaced.
- Depressed skull fractures: In this type of fracture, part of the skull is pushed inward toward the brain. These require immediate medical treatment as this can bruise or lacerate the brain.
- Basilar skull fractures: These fractures are at the base of the skull and can cause clear fluid to leak from the nose or ears. They are extremely dangerous because they can injure major blood vessels and cranial nerves.
Causes of Skull Fractures from Falls
Almost any fall can result in trauma to your skull, but certain scenarios have greater risks. Some common causes of skull fractures from falls include:
- Falls from heights: People who work at heights, such as construction workers, roofers, or even someone on a ladder doing home repairs, are at an increased risk for skull fractures. Even a fall of a few feet can create enough force on impact to cause a skull fracture.
- Slip and fall accidents: This is another large cause of skull fractures, especially among older adults. Certain hazards like slippery flooring or poor lighting can lead to someone falling and hitting their head on furniture or the floor. If this happens in a store, parking lot, or a property not owned by you, the owner may be responsible for your injury under a premises liability claim.
- Nursing home falls: Nursing homes are high-risk areas for skull fractures. This is due to factors like muscle weakness, trouble walking, side effects from medicine, and a lack of proper supervision from staff. These falls are especially scary because of the diminished state most nursing home residents are in. These falls may lead to a negligence claim against the care facility.
No matter the specific circumstances, any forceful impact or violent shaking of the head and neck has the potential to cause a skull fracture or brain injury. In the next section, we’ll cover some of the key symptoms to watch for after a fall.
Symptoms of Head and Skull Fractures
While severe headaches and other neurological issues may accompany skull fractures, it’s important to be aware of the specific symptoms that can indicate a fracture of the skull bones so you can identify them and get medical attention. These include:
Physical Symptoms
- Bruising and swelling or a raised bump or dent on the head at the site of impact.
- Bleeding from the ears or nose or clear watery fluid leaking from the ears or nose. This is usually caused by a basilar fracture at the base of the skull and requires immediate medical attention.
- Bruising around the eyes that results in a “raccoon” pattern.
- Bruising behind or underneath the ear.
Neurological Symptoms
While not always present, certain neurological deficits can accompany skull fractures, especially if the fracture causes injury to the brain:
- Dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo
- Vision problems like blurred vision or double vision
- Headaches that worsen over time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness, numbness, tingling in arms or legs
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Confusion, disorientation, memory problems
Seek medical attention if you experience any of these, as skull fractures can quickly lead to further bleeding, brain damage, and life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Legal Options in Texas
In many cases of skull fractures, the injury victim may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for causing the fall.
When a skull fracture occurs due to someone else’s negligence, there are several potential legal options available, including:
- Premises liability claims
- Workplace injury claims
- Product liability lawsuits
A combination of these might work best for you, which is why it’s important to hire quality legal professionals to evaluate your case and options for you,
Maximize Your Healing and Compensation
Our dedicated attorneys at The Payne Law Group have the experience, resources, and skills to fight for you. We can investigate and leverage our skills to ensure you receive the best compensation possible. We will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation.