When the body experiences a sudden stop that causes the brain to be thrown forward hitting the side of the skull, the injury the brain suffers is called a ‘coup injury’. When the brain rebounds within the skull after the initial impact, and collides with the other side of the skull, that is called a ‘contra-coup injury’.
It can be difficult to tell where a coup injury occurred without advanced imaging studies like an MRI and CAT scans. However, if the coup injury was caused by an accident that involved a physical impact with another object, a contusion or bruise will be present at the site of the coup injury indicating where the victim hit his or her head (i.e. where the sudden stop of the head occurred).
What Causes a Coup Injury?
Like many brain injuries, coup injuries are often caused by the head making contact with another item or surface, which causes the brain to move violently within the skull. Some common causes of coup injuries include:
- Auto Accidents
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Falls
- Sports or Recreational Accidents
- Work Accidents
- Construction Accidents
Financial Compensation for Coup Injuries
If you or a loved one has experienced a coup injury as a result of an accident caused by another person, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Specifically, injury victims may be entitled to money for a number of things, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Rehabilitation
- In Home Care
- Lost Income
- Pain & Suffering
Hiring an experienced brain injury attorney can help you ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to after an accident. At The Ernst Law Group, we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis and are available for free consultation calls. If you have questions about your rights after an accident, call us today. We can explain your options, help you understand how to move forward and can answer any other questions you might have.
