What Can Cause Skull Fractures for Newborns During Childbirth?

 Posted on June 23, 2026 in Birth Injury

The process of labor and delivery can sometimes put strain on the body of a child. During a vaginal delivery, a child’s head must pass through the birth canal, which can put significant pressure on the skull and brain. While the bones of a newborn’s skull have not yet fused, allowing for some flexibility during birth, delivery can still cause compression to the child’s head. In some cases, an infant may experience a skull fracture.

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., our Cook County, IL birth injury attorneys have secured millions in payment on behalf of mothers and children. We have the skills and legal knowledge to investigate skull fracture claims. We have real trial experience to support you if we need to proceed with litigation.

How Can a Skull Fracture Affect a Newborn Child?

A fractured skull can be very dangerous for a newborn, and it can cause permanent brain damage and lead to a variety of other complications. If a fracture results in the bones of the skull pressing into the child’s brain tissue, this can result in conditions such as cystic encephalomalacia. Bleeding around the brain can cut off blood flow, leading to neonatal stroke or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Damage to the brain can cause permanent conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP). 

The effects of that early brain damage can shape a child's entire life. Some children miss developmental milestones. They may be slow to walk, talk, or respond to the world around them. As they grow older, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and problems with memory or attention can become more apparent.

What Are the Common Reasons a Child May Suffer a Skull Fracture During Childbirth?

Skull fractures are relatively rare during unassisted births. However, doctors, nurses, or other medical personnel involved in the labor and delivery process should recognize the signs that a child may be at risk of this type of injury and take the proper measures to ensure that the child is delivered safely. Some of the potential causes of skull fractures for newborns include:

Assisted Delivery

In some cases, a doctor will use forceps or vacuum extraction to help guide a child through the birth canal during delivery. When a medical professional uses these tools carelessly or without proper training, that may constitute medical negligence. If these devices are not used properly, they can place pressure on the child’s head and cause skull fractures.

Pitocin Use 

This drug is often used to induce labor, but it can cause extremely strong contractions, which can place a great deal of pressure on a child’s head and body. If Pitocin is not administered correctly, or if the conditions of the mother and child are not monitored properly, the child may experience a skull fracture during delivery.

Weight and Presentation

A baby may be at risk of skull fractures during delivery if he or she is unusually large or if he or she is positioned in a way that could cause complications during vaginal delivery. Medical personnel should be aware of these risk factors and advise the mother about whether a Cesarean delivery (C-section) may be necessary to minimize the risk of injury to the child.

Prolonged Labor 

If labor and delivery last longer than expected, this can increase the chance that the child will experience skull fractures. This is especially true if labor stalls while the child is progressing through the birth canal. Doctors should take the proper measures to address prolonged labor, including performing a C-section if necessary. Delaying that decision when the signs of distress are present can cause significant harm.

Premature Birth 

If a child is born before the pregnancy reaches full term, his or her skull may not be fully developed, which can increase the risk of fractures during delivery. Medical staff should account for this when making decisions about how to proceed with delivery.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Birth Injury Claims in 2026?

Illinois law generally gives injury victims two years to file a lawsuit. Birth injury claims work differently. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, when the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations is tolled until the child turns 18. That gives families more time, but it does not mean waiting is always the right choice.

There are also situations where the standard rules do not apply. Claims involving a government hospital or a government-employed doctor may carry shorter deadlines. If a parent suffered their own injuries during the birth, a separate deadline may apply to their claim. An attorney can review the specific facts of your situation and help you understand what timeline applies to your case.

What Should You Know Before Accepting a Settlement Offer for an Infant Skull Fracture?

If a hospital or insurance company has already reached out with a settlement offer, take that seriously as a sign that the other side believes they may have done something wrong. It does not mean the offer is fair.

Infant skull fractures can have consequences that do not show up right away. A child who seems to be recovering may later struggle with developmental delays, learning difficulties, neurological problems, or ongoing medical needs. Accepting a settlement too early can close the door on compensation for those future costs.

Before agreeing to anything, you should have a clear idea of what your child may need. That means getting independent medical evaluations, speaking with specialists, and having an attorney calculate the long-term value of the claim. Insurance companies have experience making offers that look large but fall short of what a family will actually need over the course of a child's life.

Contact a Chicago, IL Infant Brain Injury Attorney

If your child suffered a skull fracture during birth, you will want to be sure to receive the proper medical care and take steps to address the ongoing effects of this injury. Our Cook County, IL birth injury lawyers can help you determine whether medical negligence played a role in your case, and we will work with you to determine what financial resources are available to provide the help you need. Call Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. today at 312-462-4200 to schedule a free consultation.