Being in an accident that involves head trauma can leave a person with severe brain injuries that have life-altering effects. A coup contrecoup brain injury can result in brain damage that leaves the victim unable to work or manage everyday tasks. Below, we explain what a coup contrecoup injury is and what legal options you may have. 

Coup Contrecoup Brain Injuries: What They Are and How They Occur

This type of catastrophic injury occurs when the brain is bruised or otherwise damaged in two locations as a result of trauma. It happens because violent movement causes the brain to slam into the skull and then bounce back, hitting the opposite side as well. 

The coup injury is the damage that occurs at the site of impact, while the contrecoup injury refers to the damage that occurs on the opposite side of the brain. 

There are numerous symptoms of a coup contrecoup injury, including:

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Aggression
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Slowed thinking
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

In the most severe cases, these injuries could lead to a coma or death. 

The most common cause of coup contrecoup injuries is car accidents, especially those involving high speeds. Falls from heights can also cause the brain to ricochet against one side of the skull and strike the other side. Although less common, babies can sustain these injuries if they are violently shaken.

Treating Coup Contrecoup Injuries

Coup contrecoup injuries usually require some form of medical treatment, even if that means monitoring at the hospital to ensure the individual doesn’t experience seizures. Milder injuries may not require more than some pain relief and rest, but more serious cases could mean needing surgical decompression to relieve some of the pressure in the brain. 

If seizures are a problem, anticonvulsive medications may be necessary to keep the person safe while they heal. However, when dealing with severe injuries, it may not be possible for the brain to fully heal. In some cases, permanent brain damage can occur due to coup-contrecoup injuries. 

Can You Pursue a Personal Injury Claim After a Coup Contrecoup Injury?

If you or a loved one suffered a coup contrecoup injury because of another party’s misconduct, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Most of these cases require proving that negligence occurred. This means showing that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries and losses. 

This isn’t an easy process to go through. You are probably dealing with serious symptoms or helping a loved one who is experiencing them. The last thing you need is to have to worry about legal paperwork. An attorney can do this for you. They will be able to investigate how the injury occurred and gather evidence that the other party is liable for your losses. 

Vitally, attorneys will know how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Insurance companies often use various tactics to reduce or deny claims, but an attorney will know how to present a strong case on your behalf. 

Contact the Columbus Brain Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for Help Today

Suffering a coup contrecoup injury can make everyday tasks difficult and prevent you from enjoying life the way you once did. It could also result in large medical bills and lost wages. If the accident that caused this injury was another party’s fault, you could be entitled to compensation. With a team of lawyers by your side, you can fight for your rights. 

The Columbus brain injury attorneys at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm understand how devastating traumatic brain injuries can be for victims and their families. Our team is committed to helping injured individuals pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.

If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus brain injury lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030