Brain injuries come in many different forms, with a wide range of symptoms and severities. When another party’s negligence or recklessness causes the injury, it may be possible to hold them liable in a civil suit. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, an experienced Charleston brain injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
What is the Difference Between a Coup and a Contrecoup Brain Injury?
A coup brain injury occurs when the head hits an object and the brain bounces off the skull. On the other hand, a contrecoup brain injury occurs when the head is hit with such force or is moved/shaken with significant force and the brain slams into the opposite side of the skull.
Contrecoup injuries are actually much more common than coup injuries because they can occur even when the head does not make direct contact with an object. For example, if you are in a car accident and your head is jerked forward suddenly, you can suffer a contrecoup brain injury even if your head does not hit anything.
Both coup and contrecoup brain injuries can be extremely serious because they can lead to bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain.
Car Accidents and Brain Injuries
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of coup and contrecoup brain injuries. When two vehicles collide at high speeds, occupants can be thrown around inside the cabin—even if they’re wearing seatbelts. In some cases, people may hit their heads on hard surfaces like the steering wheel or dashboard; in other cases, their heads may simply be snapped backward or to the side by the force of the impact. Either way, if the head moves suddenly and violently enough, it can cause severe damage to the brain. A Charleston car accident attorney can help you assess your legal options following a serious brain injury.
Symptoms and Treatment Options for Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injuries
Both coup and contrecoup injuries can result in a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior. If you have sustained any type of brain injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment. In many cases, rest and over-the-counter pain medications can treat mild coup or contrecoup injuries. However, more severe cases may require hospitalization, surgery, or even long-term rehabilitation.
Compensation After a Coup and a Contrecoup Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can be costly to treat. If you have suffered a coup or contrecoup brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you can collect. Here are some of the damages you may be able to recover:
Medical Expenses: Any past, present, or future medical expenses related to your brain injury can be recoverable. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and any other necessary treatment.
Lost Wages: If your brain injury has caused you to miss time from work, you can recover your lost wages. You may also be able to collect damages for loss of earning capacity if your injuries have prevented you from returning to the same job or from working full-time.
Pain and Suffering: Brain injuries can cause tremendous physical pain and suffering as well as emotional distress. You may be able to recover compensatory damages for these non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages: In some instances, the court may award punitive damages to punish the negligent party for their reckless or intentional misconduct.
Anyone who has suffered a blow to the head should seek medical attention as soon as possible afterward—even if they don’t seem injured at first glance—because TBIs can cause serious, long-term damage if not treated promptly and adequately. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and think you may have suffered a coup or contrecoup brain injury, you may be entitled to file a civil claim and recover financial compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.