The brain is responsible for controlling our body’s most important functions, from memory and concentration to movement and speech. If you sustain any injury to the brain, you can sustain severe, long-term damage and permanent disability. Some of the most serious brain injuries are coup and contrecoup injuries, which occur when the brain hits the side of the skull. Without prompt treatment, a coup or contrecoup brain injury can be life-threatening. If you or your loved one was injured, a Bakersfield brain injury lawyer can help.
Symptoms of a Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injury
A coup brain injury occurs when your brain collides into one side of your skull, while a coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs both at the site of the initial trauma and on the opposite side of the skull. During a coup-contrecoup injury, the brain hits one side of the skull, slides to the other side, and sustains trauma on the opposite side of the initial trauma.
These injuries can be severe and result in painful symptoms, including the following.
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Coma
If you believe that you sustained a brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Without treatment, you can sustain permanent and life-threatening damage to the neurons, blood vessels, and other structures in the brain.
Legal Options After a Coup or Contrecoup Brain Injury
A brain injury can occur due to many acts, including motor vehicle collisions, falls from high places, and acts of violence. If you sustain a coup or contrecoup brain injury due to another person’s negligence, however, you may be eligible for financial compensation. You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
To establish your right to this compensation, you will need to prove that the at-fault party was responsible for your injury and committed an act of negligence. In a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to provide sufficient evidence to prove the following four elements.
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely.
- The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care. For example, a driver who runs a red light or drives while drunk breaches his or her duty.
- The at-fault party’s breach of duty caused the accident and your coup or contrecoup brain injury.
- You sustained damages that you can recover in the lawsuit.
You can use many pieces of evidence to prove your right to compensation, such as medical records, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and police reports.
What to Do If You Experience a Coup or Contrecoup Brain Injury
If you experience a coup or contrecoup brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Not only can emergency care help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications, but your medical records will be valuable for your future claim. Save all records related to your treatment and injuries.
Once you receive medical attention, contact a Bakersfield brain injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether or not you are eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. If you have grounds for a claim, your attorney will initiate your first steps toward compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.