Skull Fracture Treatments and Costs

When someone suffers a head injury in an accident, it could cause a skull fracture. Treatment is dependent on the patient’s age and general health. But doctors will also consider other factors such as:

• the type of fracture;
• the severity; and
• if it’s accompanied by a brain injury.

How the Type of Skull Fracture Determines Course of Treatment

A basal skull fracture can occur around the:

• eyes;
• nasal cavity;
• ears; or
• close to the spine.

Oftentimes this type of fracture heals on its own. The patient may need to rest while healing and take medication for pain. One of the complications that could impact treatment is when cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Sometimes the doctor will insert a needle in the patient’s lower back to drain the fluid. But if it continues, surgery may be necessary to stop it, especially if it’s leaking from the ears or nose. Another type of fracture is a depressed skull fracture. This occurs when part of the skull goes into the brain cavity.

Surgery is often necessary with:

• a severe depression;
• cerebrospinal fluid leakage; and/or
• pressure on the brain.

Also, if there’s an open wound it will likely require surgery. Of course, this could cause further complications if an infection develops. Part of the treatment may include removing dead tissue or foreign particles before putting the skull fragments back into place. The wound is then stitched to close it.

When a Skull Fracture Involves a Brain Injury

Brain damage can complicate a skull fracture. Excessive bleeding or fragments of bone piercing the brain are common causes. Treatment depends on the severity. A mild brain injury usually heals with time. But a moderate to severe brain injury could involve rehabilitation. The type depends on the patient’s needs.

Rehabilitative care may involve:

• psychological support;
• occupational therapy;
• speech therapy; and/or
• physical therapy.

Skull Fracture Treatment Costs and How It Impacts a Personal Injury Claim

Costs for skull fracture treatment vary widely depending on if the patient required hospitalization and surgery, and if so, the length of hospitalization and type of surgery.

Expenses can easily soar into the thousands or tens of thousands. But when a skull fracture also involves a serious brain injury, costs can exceed $100,000, and in some cases could go into the millions if a catastrophic injury causes lifelong complications.

A personal injury claim may address the medical costs associated with a skull fracture. Of course, that’s assuming someone else is at fault for the accident that caused the injuries. An attorney can help determine liability and assemble the evidence that proves it.

But the costs include more than the medical bills. The time missed from work is another important consideration when seeking compensation in a personal injury claim; recovery for lost wages may be available. And in the event a severe injury leads to permanent disability, it’s possible to recover anticipated lost earnings.

There is another cost to consider, one that goes beyond the financial aspect of fractured skull treatment and other losses. It’s the physical and/or emotional losses sustained as a result of the injury.

An attorney can help figure the settlement damages such as:

• pain and suffering;
• mental anguish;
• disability; and
• reduced quality of life.

Contact an attorney right away to learn about your right to file a claim in Denver. Call attorney D.J. Banovitz at 303-300-5060 to set up a consultation, or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment.