Skull Fractures With and Without Brain Bleeds After a Slip and Fall

Victims Who Suffered a Skull Fractured After a Slip and Fall Should Call Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Indiana

Skull fractures are serious injuries with potentially life-altering consequences. Brain bleeds and hematomas often accompany a skull fracture after a slip and fall. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries with devastating consequences for the injured person.

Slip and fall incidents sadly happen all too often. Slip and fall incidents can cause many types of injuries and a skull fracture being one of the most serious types of injuries after a fall. Recovery from a skull fracture can be quite lengthy, sometimes requiring surgery for more severe cases. More severe skull fractures can cause lengthy recovery, with the need for surgery, potential for prolonged hospital stay, high medical bills, months of disability, and serious pain and suffering.

Most skull fractures due to slip and fall incidents are entirely preventable, meaning that a victim of a skull fracture after a slip and fall injury could have been spared from the injury if reasonably safe precautions had been in place. If you or somebody you know has suffered a skull fracture from a slip and fall, you should contact experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana who can review your case to determine what compensation you may be eligible for as a result of your injuries.

What is a Skull Fracture?

Simply put, a skull fracture is a break in the skull bone. However, there are different types of skull fractures that can occur as a result of a slip and fall injury. Generally, there are two main types of fractures. An open fracture is also referred to as a compound fracture. This type occur when the skin is broken and a piece of the skull bone emerges. A closed fracture is often referred to as a simple fracture. With this type of fracture, the skin is not broken, and only the bone is fractured.

Other types of skull fractures include a basal fracture which occurs at the floor of the skull. The floor of the skull refers to the top of the neck near the spine, or the ears, nose or areas around the eyes. A depressed fracture occurs when the skull indents or extends into the brain cavity. Other types of skull fractures include comminuted fracture or linear fracture.

How Do Skull Fractures Occur in Slip and Fall Incidents?

Skull fractures can occur in a variety of ways due to a slip and fall incident. Common causes include the following:

• Snow and ice
• Slipping or tripping on a hole in the ground
• Falling down a flight or stairs
• Slipping on a spilled product
• Debris on the floor
• Garbage on the floor
• Unlevel flooring
• Bunched up carpets
• Wet stairs or walking surfaces
• Excessive use of floor wax or cleaning supplies, and
• Other causes of skull fractures due to slip and all incidents.

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What are the Symptoms of Skull Fractures?

There are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate a person is suffering from a skull fracture. These signs and symptoms include the following:

• Visible skull bone showing in the case of an open fracture
• Bruising behind the ears, known as battle’s sign
• Bruising under the eyes, referred to as raccoon eyes
• Bruising around the site of trauma
• Bleeding from the wound, near the wound or around the eyes, or from the ears and nose
• Severe pain
• Swelling at the site of fracture
• Warmth or redness at the site of fracture

Other symptoms that may indicate a victim is suffering from a skull fracture includes the following:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Impaired balance
• Stiff neck
• Pupils not appropriately reacting to light
• Irritability
• Abnormally excessive drowsiness

What Damages May a Person with a Skull Fracture Be Eligible for Due to a Slip and Fall Injury?

As mentioned above, skull fracture due to a slip and fall injury can be quite traumatic. A person choosing to seek legal counsel after experiencing a skull fracture due to a slip and fall injury may be eligible or the following damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Loss of consortium
• Need for nursing care (now or in the future)
• Ambulatory devices and mobility assistance devices
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Emergency medical service costs
• Rehabilitation costs
• Punitive damages
• Property damage, and
• Other damages as a result of a fracture after a slip and fall in Indiana.