Illinois Contrecoup Injury Lawyers

Trial-Ready Brain Injury Attorneys

A serious accident can injure the brain even when the head does not appear badly damaged from the outside. One example is a contrecoup injury, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which the brain is injured on the side opposite the point of impact. These injuries can occur in car crashes, truck accidents, falls, sports collisions, and other incidents involving a sudden blow or movement of the head.

For an injured person, understanding a contrecoup injury is important for two reasons: obtaining appropriate medical care and documenting the full impact of the injury. Brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, balance, mood, sleep, and the ability to work or perform ordinary activities. Some symptoms may not appear immediately, and a person may have a significant brain injury even when initial imaging does not reveal every problem.

If you or a loved one suffered a contrecoup injury because of someone else’s negligence, the consequences may extend far beyond the initial emergency-room visit. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the importance of investigating the accident, documenting the injury, and pursuing compensation for the losses it causes.

“A brain injury can change a person’s life in ways that are not always visible. Our goal is to understand the full impact of the injury, document the evidence, and pursue the compensation our client needs for the challenges they face.” — John J. Malm, Naperville brain injury lawyer

What Is a Contrecoup Injury?

A contrecoup injury is a brain injury that occurs on the side of the brain opposite the area where the head was struck. The term comes from the French words coup, meaning “blow,” and contrecoup, meaning “counterblow.”

When the head experiences a sudden impact or rapid change in motion, the brain can move within the skull. The brain may strike the inside of the skull at the point of impact and then move in the opposite direction, causing injury on the other side. This is one reason a person can suffer a brain contusion even when the visible injury is on a different part of the head.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that brain contusions are bruises or areas of swelling caused by bleeding from small blood vessels into brain tissue. Contusions can occur directly under the impact site or, more often, on the opposite side of the brain.

A contrecoup injury is not necessarily limited to one small area. The force involved may also cause other forms of traumatic brain injury, including diffuse injury to brain tissue, bleeding, or swelling. The exact injury depends on the circumstances of the accident and the forces involved.

How Do Contrecoup Injuries Happen?

Contrecoup injuries can result from a variety of accidents. They are particularly associated with sudden acceleration, deceleration, or changes in the direction of the head. Common causes include:

• Car and truck accidents: A vehicle collision can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, window, dashboard, headrest, or another object. Even when the head does not strike a surface directly, rapid movement of the head can injure the brain.
• Falls: A person may fall backward, forward, or sideways and strike the head against the ground or another object.
• Sports injuries: Contact sports, cycling, and other activities involving collisions or falls can cause traumatic brain injuries.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: A person struck by a vehicle may be thrown onto the roadway or another surface.
• Workplace accidents: Falls from heights, being struck by objects, or other sudden impacts can cause brain injuries.
• Assaults: A blow to the head can cause the brain to move within the skull and result in a contrecoup injury.

The CDC identifies falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and firearm-related injuries among the common ways people sustain traumatic brain injuries.

What Happens to the Brain During a Contrecoup Injury?

The brain is a soft organ surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid and enclosed within the skull. When the head moves suddenly, the brain can move within that space. A forceful impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, stretch brain tissue, or damage small blood vessels.

In a contrecoup injury, the brain may be injured on the opposite side of the initial impact. For example, if a person falls backward and strikes the back of the head, the brain may also move forward and strike the inside of the skull near the forehead. This can cause bruising or other injury to the brain.

The NINDS explains that contusions may appear after a delay of hours to a day and that they can occur when the head abruptly decelerates, causing the brain to bounce back and forth within the skull. The severity of a contrecoup injury can vary. Some people may experience a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion, while others may suffer a more serious injury involving bleeding, swelling, or permanent neurological damage.

Symptoms of a Contrecoup Injury

Symptoms of a contrecoup injury depend on the location and severity of the brain damage. Some people experience symptoms immediately after an accident, while others develop symptoms over the following hours or days. Common symptoms may include:

• Headaches or pressure in the head.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Sensitivity to light or noise.
• Fatigue or unusual sleepiness.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Memory problems.
• Confusion or feeling slowed down.
• Irritability or mood changes.
• Anxiety or depression.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Weakness or coordination problems.

The CDC explains that mild traumatic brain injury and concussion symptoms may affect how a person feels, thinks, acts, or sleeps. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, concentration difficulties, and emotional changes. A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a contrecoup injury. The absence of a blackout does not rule out a brain injury, and a person may not recognize the symptoms immediately.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Any suspected traumatic brain injury should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If you have suffered a blow to the head, a sudden jolt, or another accident that may have caused a brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention even if symptoms initially seem mild. Some symptoms require immediate emergency care. According to the CDC, danger signs after a head injury include:

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• New weakness, numbness, or coordination problems.
• Slurred speech.
• Unusual behavior or increasing confusion.
• One pupil being larger than the other.
• Difficulty waking up or loss of consciousness.

These symptoms can indicate a more serious brain injury and require emergency evaluation. A person should not assume that feeling better immediately after an accident means the injury is insignificant. Some brain injuries evolve over time, and medical evaluation is important for identifying problems that may not be obvious at first.

How Are Contrecoup Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and neurological examination. A healthcare provider may ask about the accident, symptoms, loss of consciousness, memory problems, and changes in behavior or functioning.

Depending on the circumstances, the provider may order imaging studies. A CT scan can help identify skull fractures, bleeding, swelling, or certain brain contusions. An MRI may be used to evaluate more subtle brain changes that a CT scan can miss.

It is important to understand that a normal CT scan does not necessarily mean a person has no brain injury. The CDC explains that a CT scan is not needed to identify every mild TBI or concussion, but may be used when a patient is at risk for bleeding on the brain.

Medical providers may also use neuropsychological or neurocognitive testing to evaluate memory, concentration, learning, and problem-solving. These tests can help identify the effects of a mild TBI or concussion, even when the injury does not appear on imaging.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Some people recover with rest, monitoring, and gradual return to normal activities. Others may require hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term neurological care. Treatment may include:

• Emergency evaluation and monitoring.
• Medication for symptoms.
• Follow-up appointments with a physician or neurologist.
• Physical therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Speech or cognitive therapy.
• Neuropsychological evaluation.
• Rehabilitation for balance, memory, or concentration problems.
• Support for emotional or behavioral changes.

Recovery is not always predictable. Some people improve within days or weeks, while others experience symptoms for months or longer. The CDC notes that some people with mild TBI or concussion may continue to have symptoms for months or longer and should speak with a healthcare provider if symptoms do not go away or worsen after returning to regular activities.

How Can a Contrecoup Injury Affect Your Personal Injury Claim?

A contrecoup injury may affect a personal injury claim in several important ways. The injury may cause physical symptoms, cognitive difficulties, emotional changes, and limitations on ordinary activities. These effects can be relevant to the damages a person may seek in an Illinois personal injury case.

For example, a person may have difficulty returning to work, completing household chores, caring for children, driving, exercising, or participating in hobbies. A person may also require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or assistance from family members.

The value of a personal injury claim depends on the specific facts of the case, including liability, the severity of the injury, medical treatment, prognosis, lost income, and other damages. A contrecoup injury does not automatically establish a particular settlement amount, but it may be an important part of documenting the full impact of an accident.

Documenting the Impact of a Contrecoup Injury

Because some symptoms of brain injury are difficult to see, documentation can be especially important. Medical records, diagnostic testing, and treatment notes may establish the diagnosis and medical consequences. But other evidence may help explain how the injury affects the person’s daily life. Depending on the circumstances, useful evidence may include:

• Medical records and imaging.
• Neuropsychological testing.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation records.
• Employment and wage records.
• Statements from family members or coworkers.
• Photographs or videos showing changes in daily activities.
• A personal journal documenting symptoms and limitations.
• Evidence of changes in hobbies, routines, or independence.

A day in the life video may also help demonstrate the practical effects of a brain injury, such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or limitations in ordinary activities. The video should be authentic and consistent with medical evidence. It should not be staged or exaggerated.

Contrecoup Injuries and Long-Term Effects

A contrecoup injury may have consequences that extend beyond the initial recovery period. Some people experience persistent headaches, memory problems, concentration difficulties, mood changes, or reduced ability to work or participate in ordinary activities.

The CDC reports that among people who survive a moderate or severe TBI, 57% are moderately or severely disabled five years after the injury, and 55% are not employed despite having been employed at the time of injury. These figures come from research involving people who received inpatient rehabilitation services for a primary diagnosis of TBI.

The long-term effects of a brain injury can also affect family members who provide care or assistance. A person who once handled household responsibilities may now need help with transportation, finances, appointments, or daily activities.

Why Contrecoup Injuries Matter in an Illinois Personal Injury Case

A contrecoup injury may be relevant to a personal injury claim because the location of the brain injury does not always correspond to the location of the visible impact. A person may have struck the back of the head, for example, while the brain injury appears on the opposite side. Understanding the mechanism of injury can help explain why the medical findings and the accident circumstances are consistent.

The legal question, however, is not simply whether a contrecoup injury occurred. A personal injury claim generally requires evidence connecting the injury to another party’s negligence or other legally actionable conduct. In a car accident, that may involve proving that another driver caused the collision. In a premises liability case, it may involve establishing that a property owner or occupier failed to take reasonable precautions.

A contrecoup injury can also be important when evaluating damages. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Disability or disfigurement.
• Loss of normal life.
• Future medical care.
• The need for assistance with daily activities.

The extent of these damages depends on the individual case. A diagnosis alone does not establish a particular settlement value.

How an Attorney Can Help Document a Contrecoup Injury

Brain injuries can be difficult to document because symptoms may fluctuate and some limitations may not be visible. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence that explains the injury and its effect on the person’s life.

That may include reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, documenting lost income, and identifying witnesses who can describe changes in the injured person’s abilities or behavior.

For example, a spouse may notice that an injured person who once handled household finances now struggles with concentration. A coworker may observe that the person can no longer complete tasks at the same pace. A family member may describe changes in mood, memory, or independence. These details can help provide a more complete picture of the injury.

Illinois Personal Injury Deadlines

If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your contrecoup injury, it is important to understand that Illinois law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury actions generally must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues, subject to exceptions and other applicable rules. The applicable deadline may depend on the circumstances, including the identity of the defendant and the nature of the claim. Do not assume that you have unlimited time to pursue a case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contrecoup Injuries

What is the difference between a coup and contrecoup injury?

A coup injury occurs at the point of impact, while a contrecoup injury occurs on the opposite side of the brain. Both can happen during the same accident.

Can a contrecoup injury happen without a direct blow to the head?

Yes. A sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause the brain to move within the skull and become injured even when the head does not strike a surface directly.

Can a contrecoup injury be seen on a CT scan?

Sometimes. A CT scan may show bleeding, swelling, or certain brain contusions. However, some brain injuries may not be visible on an initial CT scan.

Can a contrecoup injury cause memory problems?

Yes. Brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, attention, and other cognitive functions.

How long does it take to recover from a contrecoup injury?

Recovery varies depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some people recover within days or weeks, while others experience symptoms for months or longer.

Can I file a personal injury claim for a contrecoup injury in Illinois?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury claim. The specific facts, evidence, and applicable law will determine whether you can recover compensation.

What damages may be available in a contrecoup injury claim?

Depending on the circumstances, damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, loss of normal life, and other losses caused by the injury. The available damages depend on the facts of the case.

Should I speak with a lawyer after a contrecoup injury?

If you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and the evidence needed to pursue a claim.

Contact the Top Illinois Brain Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

A contrecoup injury can affect far more than the moment of impact. It may change how a person thinks, moves, works, sleeps, and participates in everyday life. When the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, documenting those consequences is essential to pursuing a personal injury claim.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the importance of investigating the accident, reviewing medical evidence, and building a case that reflects the full impact of a brain injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a contrecoup brain injury, contact our firm for a free consultation. We can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.