A skull fracture is a break in the cranial bone, often caused by falls, violent impacts, or serious accidents. These injuries vary in severity—some may be relatively minor, while others can lead to life-threatening complications.
Because the skull protects the brain, any fracture requires immediate medical evaluation. Depending on the type and location, a skull fracture can impair speech, memory, motor function, or even survival. Treatment ranges from rest and monitoring for mild fractures to surgery for severe cases, ensuring pressure relief, brain protection, and long-term recovery support.
Skull Fracture Types
Linear skull fractures are thin cracks in the bone that usually heal on their own with observation and pain control, though doctors still check for hidden brain injuries.
Depressed skull fractures push the bone inward and often require surgery to relieve pressure and prevent further brain damage, especially if the skin is broken.
Basilar skull fractures occur at the base of the skull, often from severe trauma, and can cause symptoms such as raccoon eyes, Battle’s sign, or clear fluid leaks; treatment may range from careful monitoring to surgery.
Diastatic skull fractures, more common in children, affect the suture lines and may widen them, sometimes requiring surgery to stabilize the bones.
Causes of Skull Fractures
A skull fracture occurs when an outside force overwhelms the bone’s ability to absorb impact.
The most common causes include:
- Car accidents that throw drivers or passengers against hard surfaces
- Slips or falls where a person strikes the ground head-first
- Physical assaults with fists or blunt weapons
- Sports accidents involving collisions or falls
- Workplace incidents where heavy objects hit the head
A skull fracture is a serious injury, no matter what type of fracture it is. If you suffer a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, have your head and neck examined just to make sure that you don’t have a skull fracture that requires more care.
Diagnosing a Skull Fracture
There are several ways that doctors can diagnose a skull fracture. The first step is always to do a physical examination to locate the fracture and make sure that there are no other problems developing.
Doctors use several tools to confirm a skull fracture. A physical examination is the first step to check for swelling, wounds, or fluid discharge. A neurological assessment evaluates memory, balance, vision, and speech. Imaging tests, especially CT scans, are used to reveal the exact location and severity of the fracture.
Early diagnosis allows doctors to identify not only the fracture but also internal bleeding, swelling, or brain injury.
Treatment Options for Skull Fractures
Treatment for a skull fracture depends on the type and severity of the injury. Minor, non-displaced fractures often heal on their own with rest, monitoring, and pain management. Doctors may recommend observation in a hospital setting to ensure no swelling, bleeding, or neurological complications develop. Imaging tests like CT scans are commonly used to track healing and detect hidden issues.
More serious fractures—such as depressed or basilar skull fractures—may require surgery. Surgical treatment can relieve pressure on the brain, repair bone fragments, or address bleeding inside the skull. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infections, especially if the fracture has caused an open wound. Rehabilitation, including physical or cognitive therapy, may also be necessary to restore lost functions and support long-term recovery.
Legal Rights After a Skull Fracture Accident
If you or a loved one suffered a skull fracture because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Skull fractures are serious injuries that can lead to long-term medical expenses, lost income, and lasting physical or cognitive challenges. Holding the at-fault party accountable helps ensure you receive the resources needed for recovery.
Compensation may cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Skull fractures are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer, often leaving lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. From diagnosis to treatment and long-term rehabilitation, timely medical care is critical to protecting your health and future. When a skull fracture is caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover and move forward with confidence.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and their surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St, Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167
