A head injury can change your life in an instant. While the skull is a strong bone, a hard impact can break it. If another person or entity is liable through their negligence– a Los Angeles Skull Fracture Lawyer can help. A serious skull fracture may mean an inability to work and pay your bills. It also means ongoing medical expenses, including surgeries. Some people are no longer able to live independently.
A Skull Fracture Attorney in Los Angeles at Salamati Law can hold those parties responsible for your injury accountable. We fight on your behalf so that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Skull Fracture Symptoms
Many skull fractures also involve traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of head trauma and fracture include:
- Bleeding from the ears, ears, or nose
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision problems
- Slurred speech
These are just some of the many symptoms that may indicate a skull fracture. Some symptoms may appear over time, such as memory loss, irritability or aggression, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Skull Fracture Causes
Car accidents account for the majority of skull fractures. This is true not only for crashes between motor vehicles but also for collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.
Skull fractures also happen in the workplace, especially on construction sites. A blow to the head from equipment or falling materials are the usual causes. Some skull fractures result from assault. The victim is hit by an object fracturing the skull, or they hit their head when knocked to the ground.
Falls are another common cause. A brain injury from falling may occur because of uneven pavement, wet floors, clutter, or other reasons. Anyone experiencing a head injury from falling must seek prompt medical attention. Report a slip and fall accident to the property owner right away.
If possible, take photos of the accident scene. Without this evidence, the property owner may make quick repairs to hide the reason for the fall, such as fixing broken stairs. A Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer will investigate the situation thoroughly.
Types of Skull Fractures
Skull fractures range from relatively minor to fatal. Symptoms and treatments also differ, depending upon severity. These fractures fall into four basic categories:
- Linear skull fracture – In this most common type, the bone breaks but does not move.
- Depressed skull fracture – The trauma causes sinking of the skull. A cut may or may not accompany this type of fracture.
- Diastatic skull fracture – Most often found in infants and young children, this fracture occurs along the skull’s suture lines. These are the lines where the skull fuses not long after birth.
- Basilar skull fracture –The most serious fracture, involving a break at the base. Symptoms include bruising around the eyes and behind the ears and a clear discharge from the nose or ears—the fluid results from tearing in the brain coverings.
Skull Fracture Treatment
Those with linear skull fractures may not need much treatment for the break per se– but are usually kept in the hospital for a few days for observation. Any type of bruising to the brain is potentially dangerous and life-threatening. Depressed skull fractures often require surgery. Without this procedure, the victim is permanently disfigured.
Basilar skull fractures are treated according to the injury, which is usually significant. Surgery may prove necessary to stop the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid or repair blood vessel or nerve damage. Meningitis is a possible complication.
Skull Fracture Damages
Compensation, or damages, for skull fracture may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
- Property damage in motor vehicle accidents
- Pain and suffering
Those with serious skull fractures or TBIs may require special medical devices, home modification, or nursing home residency.
A Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer will calculate a reasonable settlement amount based on the client’s medical expenses, prognosis, and future care needs. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, we will take the matter to court.
Contact a Los Angeles Skull Fracture Attorney at Salamati Law
If you suffered a skull fracture because of someone else’s negligence, whether through a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or a deliberate act, you need the services of a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Submit our online contact form to schedule a free consultation or call or text us 24/7. We work on a contingency basis. You pay no fee unless we win.