A coup-contrecoup injury in a California personal injury case involves a serious type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where the brain is injured at the site of impact (coup) and also on the opposite side due to the force of movement (contrecoup). These injuries are complex, often have lasting effects, and can support substantial compensation if caused by another’s negligence.
Let’s walk through what you need to know if you or a loved one sustained a coup-contrecoup injury in California.
🧠 What Is a Coup-Contrecoup Injury?
This type of brain injury occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull in two places—once at the initial impact and again on the opposite side. It’s usually caused by violent acceleration and deceleration, often seen in:
- Car accidents (especially rear-end or side impacts)
- Motorcycle or bike accidents
- Falls from height
- Physical assaults (e.g., being punched or hit)
- Sports injuries (e.g., football, soccer, skateboarding)
Symptoms can be severe and wide-ranging, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
- Mood changes or personality shifts
- Seizures
- Sensory issues (vision, balance, hearing)
⚖️ Personal Injury Law & Coup-Contrecoup Injuries in California
You may have a strong personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your injury. Typical cases involve:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Slip and fall injuries (due to unsafe premises)
- School or sports negligence
- Intentional harm or assault
📋 Legal Elements to Prove
To recover damages, you need to show:
- Duty of care – The at-fault party had a responsibility (e.g., to drive safely or maintain a safe environment).
- Breach of duty – They failed to meet that responsibility.
- Causation – Their actions or inactions directly caused your coup-contrecoup injury.
- Damages – You suffered real harm (physical, emotional, financial).
💰 What Damages Can You Recover?
✅ Economic Damages
- ER visits, scans, surgery, hospitalization
- Rehab: speech, occupational, cognitive therapy
- In-home care or assisted living
- Loss of income or future earning ability
- Assistive devices or home modifications
✅ Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Changes in relationships or personality
✅ Punitive Damages
If the injury was caused by gross negligence or intentional acts (e.g., DUI or assault), courts may award punitive damages.
⏳ California Statute of Limitations
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit
- 6 months to file a claim if a government agency (school, city) is involved
- The delayed discovery rule may apply—helpful for coup-contrecoup injuries where effects may not be immediately recognized
🧾 Proving the Injury
Because coup-contrecoup injuries involve damage to multiple areas of the brain, diagnosis often requires:
- CT and MRI scans
- Neurologist or neurosurgeon evaluations
- Neuropsychological testing
- Medical records and expert opinions
- Daily symptom tracking or journals
- Statements from family, employers, caregivers
👩⚖️ Why a Lawyer Is Crucial
Coup-contrecoup cases are highly complex. You’ll likely be facing:
- Big medical bills
- Long recovery times
- Insurance companies trying to minimize or deny your injury
- The need for expert medical witnesses and strong documentation
A California brain injury lawyer can build your case, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure you get full compensation—especially for invisible, cognitive, or emotional damages.
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].