2-Month Old Girl Hospitalized, Father Arrested for Shaken Baby Syndrome in Washington State | CA Child Injury Lawyer

A two-month-old girl was hospitalized for serious injuries in Tumwater, Washington, following an alleged incident of shaken baby syndrome, according to the Komo News website.  Following the baby's hospitalization on Sunday, authorities from Mary Bridge Children's Hospital notified police that her injuries were consistent with abusive head trauma (also known as shaken baby syndrome), and her 22-year-old father, Treven W. Clark, was arrested and taken to the Thurston County Jail where he awaits charges of first-degree child assault.  After further investigation, Tumwater police believe that Clark shook the baby while she was under his care in a Tumwater home.  Luckily, the baby was released from the hospital on Wednesday, but the long-term effects of her injuries are unknown.  She and a 2-year-old child have been placed in protective custody following the shaken baby syndrome incident.

As a child injury lawyer and advocate for injured and abused children, California attorney Chris Keane handles cases of abusive head trauma such as this on a daily basis.  Constantly aware of the tragic and devastating nature of shaken baby syndrome, we at the Keane Law Firm express our deepest sympathies to family and friends of the baby in this incident, and we hope for her quick and complete healing.  If you are aware of an instance in which a baby has been abused, shaken, or injured, whether the injury was the intention of the caregiver or not, feel free to contact Chris Keane with your most serious questions and information.  He will ensure that the case is reported, carried out thoroughly, and that the child is connected with the proper phycisians for his or her immediate and long-term needs.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

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Economic Troubles Leading to More Severe Cases of Child Abuse, Such as Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma)

The economic situation in the U.S. has affected the number of instances of severe child abuse, according to an article from the Miami Herald.  According to Florida's Department of Children & Families (DCF) Secretary George Sheldon,  while the number of investigations and calls regarding child abuse have decreased over the past year, the number of severe cases of child abuse appears to have increased.  When Sheldon received a message on his Blackberry during Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week about an 8-month-old girl who died after being shaken by her mother's boyfriend, he sadly explained that he has received numerous incident reports of a similar nature lately.  In particular, the abuse cases that begin with "violent [bursts] of anger" and result in fatality have increased:  28 deaths resulting from injuries to the torso or head, as in the case of shaken baby syndrome, were investigated by the DCF in 2007, compared with 35 of the same type of cases in 2008.  Currently, 82 child fatalities reported to the DCF are under investigation to determine whether abuse (and what type of abuse) was the cause of the deaths.   According to the Miami Herald, 20 of the 35 shaken babies who died in 2008 came from families that received financial aid or food stamps, and Sheldon believes that more child abuse fatalities could occur this year as the economic crisis escalates, more and more caregivers are under stress and frustration, and prevention programs lose funds due to budget cuts.  The devastating problem is not unique to the state of Florida; The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome has stated that there appears to have been an increase in severe cases of child abuse and shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma).

As an advocate for children who have been injured or severely abused, child injury lawyer Chris Keane has connected families with physicians to ensure that children receive the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.  For families who have lost children due to severe injuries or abuse, Keane has compassionately and diligently worked to bring them the compensation and financial stability they need while trying to cope with indescribable loss.  If you have been in a similar situation, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm with your most important questions.  We will talk with you for free and express our compassion while employing our expertise.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Day Care Center Owner Charged With Battery That Led to Death of 6-Month-Old | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

A former day care owner from Indiana has been charged with battery that resulted in child fatality after a doctor determined that the 6-month-old, who had been under her care, died from injuries to the head.  The type of traumatic brain injury suffered by the child typically occurs when a child is shaken, as in the case of abusive head trauma (or "shaken baby syndrome").  We at the Keane Law Firm express our deepest condolences to the family of the young child, and we aim to provide injured children with resources to receive the proper care and treatment for immediate healing and a longer, healthier life.  To read more, click the following link to access the news article on this Indiana day care abuse story.  Keane Law Firm/ Attorney Chris Keane:  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

"Abusive Head Trauma": New Term Recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics

California child injury lawyer Chris Keane recently posted a blog regarding a new term recommended to replace the term "shaken baby syndrome."  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "abusive head trauma" refers more clearly to the physical damage that occurs when babies are shaken.  To read Keane's post about the  term "abusive head trauma," click here.

If you believe that your baby may have suffered abusive head trauma, the Keane Law Firm will answer your most pressing questions for free and consult with you regarding your unique case.  Feel free to call us if you would like to know more about the condition itself, the process of filing a child injury claim, or what we can do to help your baby receive proper care.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

DVD To Parents of Newborns: Excessive Crying is Normal (Video Aims to Minimize Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome)

Newborn babies may cry up to 5 hours per day for no apparent reason, and caregivers must understand how to handle babies gently while dealing with their own frustrations.  That's what parents of newborns in Kansas are learning through a new video that attempts to prevent more cases of the devastating but frequently occurring shaken baby syndrome.  In response to numerous recent deaths caused by child abuse in Wichita, city officials announced the "Period of PURPLE Crying" initiative on Thursday, May 7:  a program intended to help parents understand and cope with what seems like chronic crying from newborn babies.  Effective June 1, parents of babies born at Wichita hospitals will be required to watch a DVD about how often, how much, and why babies cry as well as how to handle the frustration associated with the phenomenon.  They will receive a copy of the DVD to take home, along with a booklet titled, "Did You Know Your Baby Would Cry Like This?," both created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The video aims to make two things apparent:  excessive crying is normal for newborns, and it is okay for parents to put down a crying baby for a few minutes in order to calm their own nerves.  The word "PURPLE" is used to remind parents what is normal:  a Peak in crying (babies may cry more over time until peaking at about 2 months of age), Unexpected tears (babies may cry for no apparent reason), Resistance to attempts to soothe or comfort the newborn, an appearance of Pain (even though the baby may not be in pain), Long-lasting periods of crying (up to 5 hours per day), and a tendency for more tears in the Evening.

Crying can lead to shaken baby syndrome if a caregiver does not understand the dangers of shaking a baby.  If you believe that your baby may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to call the Keane Law Firm with any questions you may have.  Child injury attorney Chris Keane of San Francisco, CA, will answer all of your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Causes of Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer

Some babies are more at-risk of abusive events, including being shaken by an adult, than others, although it is important to determine if a baby has been shaken even if that child does not seem at-risk of abuse.  Among children who are at-risk of shaken baby syndrome and cases of neglect are twins or babies of multiple births, infants who are less than one year old, male infants, and infants who are premature, inconsolable when crying, or prone to health problems.  Shaken baby syndrome occurs, however, not because of the baby, but because of the adult who commits the act or neglects to care adequately for the baby.

Some adults are more at-risk of committing abusive acts than others, including those who were victims of abuse themselves, who lack good coping skills, have unrealistic expectations or problems with substance abuse, or suffer from mental health issues.  Adults who are more likely to neglect or injure a child are also affected by environmental factors.  Financial troubles, dysfunctional family members or practices, and social isolation can lead to cases of shaken baby syndrome.

Regardless of your situation, it is important to note that shaken baby syndrome can take place anywhere and at any time.  If you feel that your child has been a victim of neglect or abuse at school, day care, home, or any other facility, contact the Keane Law Firm for free information and answers to your most pressing questions.  Experienced and compassionate child injury attorney Chris Keane will help you find medical help and recover the finances you need to treat and care for your child.  Keane Law Firm:  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).