Skull Fractures

A skull fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the skull, often caused by a head injury. It can vary in severity from simple, where there’s no damage to the skin, to complex, involving splintered or crushed bone and possibly associated with brain injury. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising around the eyes or behind the ear, and in severe cases, neurological issues. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment depends on the fracture’s type and severity, ranging from observation to surgical intervention in more serious cases.

What are the most common types of skull fracture?

The most common types of skull fractures include:

• Linear Fracture – The most frequent type, characterised by a break in the bone that looks like a thin line, without splintering, depression, or distortion of the bone.
• Depressed Fracture – Occurs when part of the skull is sunken in due to trauma. This type can be visible on the head and may require surgery, especially if pressing on the brain.
• Basilar Fracture – A serious injury involving a break in the bones at the base of the skull. Symptoms may include bruising behind the ears or around the eyes, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and neurological issues.
• Diastatic Fracture – These fractures occur along the sutures of the skull, more common in infants and young children whose sutures have not fully fused. The fracture widens the suture line.
• Compound Fracture – Involves a break in the skull bone with an accompanying laceration of the scalp. There is an increased risk of infection and brain exposure.

Each type of skull fracture can vary in severity and may require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment. The presence of a skull fracture often necessitates careful monitoring for potential complications, especially involving the brain.

What are the most common causes of skull fractures?

Skull fractures most commonly result from blunt force trauma to the head. This can occur in various situations like vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical assaults. In children, skull fractures are often caused by falls or child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome. The severity of the fracture usually depends on the force of the impact. High-impact collisions or falls from significant heights tend to cause more severe fractures. Less severe cases might result from minor falls or impacts, particularly in more vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly.

In what sort of circumstances is it possible to bring an injury claim for a skull fracture?

You can bring an injury claim for a skull fracture in circumstances where the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional action. This includes car accidents, work-related incidents, slips and falls on someone else’s property, sports injuries due to inadequate safety measures, or physical assaults. The claim aims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Success depends on proving the other party’s liability and the extent of the injury and its impact on your life. Speak to our personal injury team for further information on this.

How much compensation will be awarded?

This depends on the severity of the injury. In severe cases where brain damage has occured, a general damages award in the region of €300,000-€400,000 may be paid in scenarios where the claimant is is conscious but has “total dependency and requiring constant care” (see page 10 of the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines). Claimants may also be awarded special damages to cover out of pocket expenses such as medical bills, and adaptations to the home to accommodate the claimant’s new needs, such as wheelchair accessibility, specialised equipment, or ongoing rehabilitation costs.