Hawk Law Group | September 7, 2023 | Brain Injuries

What Is a Coup Contrecoup Brain Injury?

Brain injuries are among some of the worst injuries a person can suffer, as they can result in severe, life-altering consequences. 

Of the many types of brain injuries, a coup contrecoup injury is one of the worst, leaving victims to face long, challenging roads to recovery.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, do not wait to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. 

A Coup Contrecoup Brain Injury Is Two Brain Injuries in One

A coup contrecoup injury is a common type of traumatic brain injury. Usually, these brain injuries result from hitting the head against stationary objects, like a wall or a steering wheel.

The name for this brain injury is French, as “coup” translates to “blow,” and “contrecoup” translates to “counterblow.” Therefore, this “blow-counterblow” injury means two injuries in one.

A coup injury refers to the damage to the brain that results right under the point of contact. On the other hand, the contrecoup injury refers to the damage on the opposite side of the brain from where the contact occurred. 

These injuries can happen separately, either just a coup injury or just a contrecoup injury, but when the blow to the head is strong enough, the two injuries happen simultaneously. 

The brain is protected by the skull and cerebrospinal fluid. The skull and the fluid usually provide sufficient protection from minor bumps and hits. Unfortunately, more substantial trauma to the head can cause the brain to hit the skull, causing damage to the location of impact. 

When a strong impact occurs, the brain can collide with the skull (the coup injury), and as it rebounds, it can hit the opposite side of the skull (the contrecoup injury).

Coup contrecoup brain injuries can result from several different types of accidents, including vehicular collisions, like car and motorcycle crashes, and premises liability accidents, like slip and fall accidents.

Signs of a Coup Contrecoup Injury

Symptoms of a coup contrecoup injury can vary greatly but can include any of the following:

  • Persistent and intense headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Vision issues

The symptoms of a coup contrecoup brain injury depend on the area of the brain affected. Damage often occurs to the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. 

Potential Long-Term Effects of a Coup Contrecoup Brain Injury

Recovery from a coup contrecoup injury is possible, but many victims face life-altering effects long after their recovery.

A traumatic brain injury, like a coup contrecoup injury, can result in chronic headaches, seizures, and hydrocephalus. In the more severe cases, brain injuries can leave a victim in a coma or vegetative state. 

More serious effects on a victim’s health usually mean a greater financial impact. For this reason, when a brain injury is the result of negligent or intentional actions by a third party, a personal injury claim could help relieve some of the burden. 

Damages Available For Victims of Brain Injuries in Georgia

A personal injury claim could help you recover financially from a brain injury. 

Damages depend on the specifics of your case but could include economic and non-economic damages such as:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Calculating the accurate value of your damages is key to ensuring you get the financial compensation you need and deserve.

Allow a Skilled Georgia Personal Injury Attorney To Help If You Suffered a Coup Contrecoup Brain Injury

Brain injury cases are complicated and challenging to handle alone. While you focus on your physical recovery, leave the heavy lifting to an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

After suffering a brain injury, consult a personal injury attorney as quickly as possible to begin working on your case.

For more information, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:

Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500

Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500

Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350

Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122

Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089

We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.