The birth of a child is a joyful moment, but complications during delivery can lead to serious injuries. While rare, skull fractures are one of the most concerning outcomes. These injuries affect about 2 to 3.7 per 100,000 babies and are often linked to the use of delivery tools like vacuums or forceps.
Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can improve your child’s outcome. By being aware of the risks and acting quickly, you can help prevent long-term effects.
Explore the causes, potential complications, and recovery process for newborns who experience skull fractures during delivery. If your baby has suffered a skull fracture, consult a Chicago birth injury lawyer from Beam Legal Team to understand your legal options for compensation.
What Are Skull Fractures?
A skull fracture occurs when there’s a break or crack in the bones of a baby’s skull. Since a newborn’s skull is softer and more flexible than an adult’s, it is more susceptible to injury during a difficult delivery. Most fractures involve the parietal bones located on the sides and top of the head.
There are two main types of skull fractures: linear fractures, which are thin cracks without movement of the bone, and depressed fractures, which push part of the skull inward. Both types can be serious, especially if they affect the brain, and may lead to long-term problems if not treated properly.
How Do Skull Fractures Occur During Delivery?
Skull fractures during delivery can occur due to complications or the use of certain medical tools. Some of the most common causes include:
| Cause | Risk Factors | Why It Increases Risk |
| Difficult or Prolonged Labor | Prolonged pushing, stalled labor | Increased pressure on the baby’s skull can lead to injury. |
| Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction | Forceps, vacuum extractor | Improper or forceful use of these tools can cause skull fractures. Around 46% of skull fractures are due to the use of vacuums during delivery. |
| Large Baby Size (Macrosomia) | Higher birth weight, large head size | The baby’s head may struggle to fit through the birth canal, raising the risk of injury during delivery. |
| Breech Position or Abnormal Presentations | Breech position (feet or buttocks first), abnormal position | Labor becomes more complicated, often requiring tools that can increase the risk of skull fractures. |
Complications from Skull Fractures
Skull fractures in newborns can lead to a range of complications, some of which may have long-term impacts on the child’s health and development. Potential complications include:
- Brain Damage: When a skull fracture causes injury to the brain, it can result in brain damage. This could manifest in cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, or developmental delays, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Intracranial Bleeding: Skull fractures can cause bleeding inside the skull, known as intracranial hemorrhage. The condition requires immediate medical attention, as pressure from the bleeding can damage brain tissue and lead to life-threatening consequences.
- Developmental Delays: Damage to the brain or other parts of the central nervous system from a skull fracture can result in developmental delays. This could affect motor skills, language development, and overall cognitive functioning, requiring ongoing therapy and medical care.
- Seizures: Babies with skull fractures may be at increased risk for seizures, particularly if there is associated brain trauma. Seizures can lead to further complications, such as developmental delays or oxygen deprivation, if not managed appropriately.
Recovery and Treatment for Newborns
The recovery process for newborns with skull fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Early detection and timely intervention can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Doctors will first assess the fracture through imaging and physical exams to determine the best treatment. Minor fractures often heal with monitoring, while more serious cases may require surgery to relieve pressure or repair the skull. If brain injury is involved, long-term care, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy, may be needed to support your child’s development.
These treatments can be costly, and if your baby’s injury was caused by negligent use of delivery tools or other medical errors, you have the right to pursue compensation. At Beam Legal Team, our Chicago vacuum extraction injury lawyers can help you seek coverage for medical bills and the impact on your child’s quality of life. We can hold the negligent provider liable and fight for a fair settlement to support your child’s recovery.
Protect Your Newborn’s Future
Parents never expect their child’s birth to result in an injury, but when it does, it’s important to have the right legal support. If your child has suffered a skull fracture or other birth injury due to medical negligence, you need compassionate, experienced attorneys who can help guide you through this difficult time.
At Beam Legal Team, we specialize in birth injury cases and have the skills and resources to hold negligent providers accountable. We can help you secure the compensation your family needs for medical care and rehabilitation, giving your child the best chance for a healthy future.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys can review your case, explain your options, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
