The most common type of skull fracture is a linear skull fracture. Nearly 70% of all severe head injuries involve a linear skull fracture. A linear skull fracture involves a break in the bone of the skull, but the impact does not usually displace the bone or cause a depression, distortion, or splintering. In most cases, surgery is not necessary.
Diagnosing a Linear Skull Fracture
The most common symptom of a skull fracture is a swelling on the side of the head where the injury occurred. Linear skull fractures may be difficult to see on a CT scan alone. Doctors will first look for common symptoms of a head injury, such as a nasal cerebral spinal fluid leak, CSF otorrhea (discharge of cerebral spinal fluid from the outer ear), and other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. A CT scan will then be used to confirm the fracture and rule out cerebral hemorrhages or a more serious basilar skull fracture.
Complications of a Linear Skull Fracture
With any skull fracture, there is a risk of infection. Fractures that are near the back or base of the skull are more likely to tear tissue covering the brain, which could cause a resulting infection and severe and permanent brain damage. Impact on the skull resulting in broken blood vessels can also cause a contusion or bruise. Finally, damage to blood vessels can cause bleeding or a hematoma in and around the brain. Bleeding may be classified as epidural (in the area between the skull and the dura), subdural (between the dura and the arachnoid membrane), or intracerebral (inside the brain itself).
Linear Skull Fractures and Traumatic Brain Injury
It is important to recognize, that even if the skull has only a hairline crack or no crack at all, the brain can still be subjected to considerable damage. Closed head injuries, or head injuries where the skull is not broken, can cause permanent brain damage or death due to brain swelling and an increase in intracranial pressure. If you suspect any head injury, seek medical attention immediately.
Maximum Compensation for Head Injury Victims
The award-winning personal injury lawyers at Estey & Bomberger have recovered millions for skull fracture and brain injury victims throughout California. If you have suffered a linear skull fracture in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Damages for a personal injury lawsuit in California can include compensation for medical expenses, future care, and rehabilitation, lost earnings, loss of future earning capacity, and emotional pain and suffering.
About Estey & Bomberger – CA Brain Injury Lawyers
Each year, Estey & Bomberger recovers millions for those seriously injured in California. We have successfully represented a number of skull fracture injury victims, including victims of linear skull fractures. If you or a family member have suffered a linear skull fracture, contact us today to see how we can help you. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call and discuss your case. For a free and immediate telephone consultation, call (800)925-0723. If we accept your case, we will not charge any fees unless and until we recover money for you.