Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wrongful Death from Abusive Head Trauma | California Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

There is no greater tragedy than losing a child, and knowing that the wrongful death of your child resulted from someone's negligence or abuse is a burden that no parent or caregiver should have to bear.  Although the Keane Law Firm handles many cases in which a victim of shaken baby syndrome has been seriously injured, Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm also handles cases in which a shaken baby syndrome injury turned fatal.  Injuries resulting from abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) are serious:  the brain bleeds, becomes inflamed or swollen, and its soft tissue becomes damaged from the back and forth motion of hitting the inside of the skull.  The pressure in the brain can lead to brain damage, neuromuscular problems or paralysis, seizures, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness.  Many adults and caregivers fail to realize how quickly and easily an injury can occur in a child; since a child's brain has more water content than that of an adult and is still developing, babies are more vulnerable to serious injury when blunt force or shaking occurs.   Even a small amount of pressure or force can lead to permanent injury and, sometimes, death.

If you have lost a child due to abusive head trauma, the Keane Law Firm expresses its deepest sympathies to you and your family.  As an experienced shaken baby syndrome and child wrongful death lawyer, Chris Keane will provide you with resources and assistance needed after a devastating loss, and he will answer any questions you have for free at no obligation to you.  Although nothing can compensate for the tragic loss of a child, certain measures can be taken to help families of shaken babies as they try to recover from the indescribable pain of losing a loved one.  Chris Keane has the resources and experience to provide that help and will be glad to talk with you for free if you would like to know more about how the Keane Law Firm can assist you.

To contact Chris Keane, fill out our online contact form or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) from Shaken Baby Syndrome | Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Traumatic brain injury results from a traumatic event that injures the brain of an accident or abuse victim.  Although the leading causes of traumatic brain injury are car accidents and falls, shaken baby syndrome--now formally called "abusive head trauma" to describe more vividly what occurs when a baby is shaken--can result in a form of traumatic brain injury referred to as Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI).  A number of traumatic events can lead to Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury, such as car accidents or other accidents, falls, assaults or child abuse.  Non-traumatic causes of the injury include strokes, brain tumors, infection, meningitis, and pediatric AIDS.  When the serious brain injury is caused by shaken baby syndrome, the results can be severe, permanent, or even fatal.

In the case of Sarah Jane, the inspiration for the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, PABI resulted from rapid shaking:  a nurse shook 5-day old Sarah Jane so violently that she suffered a serious pediatric brain injury and broken bones.  Now, three and one half years later, the toddler cannot eat solid food, speak, or walk.  Through the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation and other efforts, however, her family is confident that she will recover one day.

If you believe that your child may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, seek medical care as soon as possible.  Symptoms may not be apparent immediately following an accident and, instead, may manifest themselves gradually.  Victims of traumatic brain injuries may even fail to notice some of their serious symptoms while being preoccupied with others.  Among the symptoms commonly experienced, however, are loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, weakness in the body, amnesia, trouble swallowing, convulsions, and respiratory problems.  Many other symptoms can occur following a traumatic brain injury (this is not a comprehensive list), and it is also important to know the symptoms of shaken baby syndrome if the brain injury resulted from shaking.

For more information and helpful resources regarding pediatric traumatic brain injury, Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury, or shaken baby syndrome, contact child injury and child abuse attorney Chris Keane at the Keane Law Firm.  If you would like a consultation, he will compassionately and professionally answer your questions for free regarding your unique situation.

Click here to contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Chris Keane is on the National Advisory Board for the Sarah Jane Brain Project.

Civil Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

The majority of shaken baby syndrome cases appearing in the news are criminal cases, but it is important to note that some instances of shaken baby syndrome result in civil cases.  At the Keane Law Firm, Chris Keane can file a shaken baby syndrome case in civil court, meaning that the lawsuit will focus on instances of negligence rather than crimes.  In other words, it is not necessary to prove that a caregiver "intended" to injure the baby but, rather, that he or she failed to care adequately for the child.  Even if a person charged with shaking a baby avoids criminal conviction, that person can still be held liable for a child's injuries in a civil case of abusive head trauma.  If the jury finds that the person in question did not use reasonable care with a child, the person may be held responsible for the baby's resulting injuries.

If the criminal defendant is found "not guilty" in a case of shaken baby syndrome or if the case does not go to trial, the Keane Law Firm can represent the baby in civil court.  If you believe that your baby has been injured as a result of shaken baby syndrome, contact our firm with your most important questions, and child injury attorney Chris Keane will answer them for free.  To acquire the resources you need to determine whether you should pursue a civil case, contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Hawaii House & Senate Briefed on Shaken Baby & Child Abuse Prevention | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

Shaken baby syndrome education and prevention programs have reached Hawaii, according to the Hawaii House Blog website.  According to the site, an informative briefing on elder and child abuse prevention was held today by Senate and House Committees on Human Services.  Government agencies and community organizations were invited to the session to brief lawmakers on the subject, and among the attendees were representatives from the Community Care Foster Homes Association, the Honolulu Police Department, the Adult Residential Care Homes Association, and the Hawaii Coalition of Caregivers Association.

Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) expert Dr. Philip Hyden educated attendees on the causes of head injuries characteristic of shaken baby syndrome, such as excessive force or shaking.  A minor accident such as a fall from a couch, for example, would not cause the bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain or damage to the retinas that occurs when a child's brain moves back and forth against the skull.  Dr. Hyden also informed listeners of the frequency of abusive head trauma cases resulting from a caregiver's frustration with a baby's crying.

For more information about the symptoms of abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome prevention, or other questions you may have, contact California child injury attorney Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.  As an advocate for injured and abused children, Keane devotes his practice to representing only children, and he will answer your questions for free if you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome.

15-Week-Old Girl Placed in ICU After Shaken by Stepfather Multiple Times | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

In Indiana, a 15-week-old baby recently suffered severe head injuries and required hospitalization after her stepfather shook multiple times to stop her from crying, according to JC Online.  Court documents state that baby Chloe Schulz was placed in ICU for the treatment of retinal hemorrhages and blood on her brain.  Though a police representative stated that Chloe's chance of survival, "we hope, is good," permanent damage from shaken baby syndrome is currently unknown.  What is known is that the girl's injuries are serious:  an affidavit states that her eyes were crossed and her mouth was foaming when she arrived via helicopter at the hospital.  Her stepfather reportedly admitted to shaking her after getting frustrated with her crying, although he initially denied having shaken the baby.  At the Keane Law Firm, we hope for the full and fast recovery of young Chloe, and we express our deepest sympathies to her family at this difficult time.

The symptoms and effects of shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma) are serious and can result in permanent or even fatal injuries.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from abusive head trauma, seek medical care for your child immediately.  Symptoms are not always evident at first, so do not wait for them to manifest before taking action.

If you have questions regarding shaken baby syndrome, contact child injury lawyer Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

Mother's Boyfriend Charged in Wrongful Death of Shaken Baby | CA Child Wrongful Death Lawyer

After the February death of a 21-month-old girl in Michigan, the 20-year-old boyfriend of the baby's mother faces charges of first-degree child abuse and felony murder after allegedly shaking the child, according to the Freep.com website.  According to police, Carlos Raymore was watching the girl while her mother was at work when he began to call his girlfriend about "problems with the child."  The toddler girl was then taken to the hospital and found to be suffering from head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome.  She died one day later.

At the Keane Law Firm, Chris Keane has helped clients as they go through the indescribably difficult process of coping after losing a child, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young girl in this incident as they mourn her wrongful death.  As an advocate for injured children and an experienced child wrongful death lawyer, Keane works to recover the compensation families need following tragic incidents such as this.  If you have lost a child or believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm with your most important questions.  Chris Keane will compassionately and professionally consult with you for free regarding your unique situation.

Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Story on Freep website

Seminar Teaches IL Residents How to Educate the Public on Shaken Baby Syndrome Dangers | Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Volunteers and professionals in East Peoria, IL, had the opportunity to attend a free seminar last Friday on how to educate the public about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome, according to the Pjstar.com website.  As part of the state's Shaken Baby Syndrome Public Awareness Campaign, the workshop was conducted by Mary Salisbury of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois (PCAI) and included sample materials on shaken baby syndrome prevention for attendees to use for their own community presentations.

Founded in 1990, PCAI uses parent support and education programs, public awareness efforts, and professional assistance in an attempt to reduce cases of child abuse and neglect throughout the state.

Prevention and education programs are rising up across the nation in response to the numerous cases of shaken baby syndrome and child neglect or abuse.  To read more about shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) prevention programs and new studies to determine their effectiveness, click here.

As an advocate for children who have been suffered from abusive head trauma or other child injuries, California lawyer Chris Keane devotes his entire practice to representing injured children and supports many local and national organizations devoted to child abuse prevention.

To contact Chris Keane regarding your child or a child you know, fill out our online contact form or call the Keane Law Firm at 1-888-522-KIDS.

After Shaken Baby Trial, Billy Bob Thornton's Daughter Indicted | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Billy Bob Thornton's oldest daughter was indicted on multiple charges Wednesday, June 24, for shaking a baby who was under her care in central Florida in October 2008.  Among the charges for 29-year-old Amanda Brumfield are first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated child abuse, despite Brumfield's story that the child's death was an accident.

Brumfield reportedly told authorities that the 1-year-old girl, whom she was babysitting at the time, fell from a playpen and hit her head on hard object on October 3rd, but Brumfield did not call 911 for help until more than two hours after the baby was unresponsive.  The autopsy report revealed injuries that were inconsistent with the babysitter's story:  upon finding a brain injury and fractured skull, the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.  Police say that they believe the baby's head did strike a hard object, but they do not believe that a short distance fall from a playpen could cause such severe trauma to the head.

The Oscar-winner's daughter was arrested earlier this month and booked at the Orange County Jail.  When contacted after her arrest, Thornton's publicist said that he and his daughter have been estranged for a long time.

Although this particular incident of shaken baby syndrome resulted in a criminal case against the offender, the Keane Law Firm can file civil cases against anyone who failed to care adequately for children.  In a civil case, it is not required to prove that someone intentionally shook a baby; it is only necessary to prove that someone neglected the child or failed to provide proper care for the baby who was injured as a result.

If you have questions for a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, contact the Keane Law Firm for free answers regarding your unique situation.  You can contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Relevant Links:

People Magazine Story

Hollyscoop Story

Vigil for Shaken Baby Syndrome Victim Aimed to Educate and Help Heal | Child Wrongful Death Lawyer

In Danville, IL, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for this week in remembrance of toddler Reagan Williams, a fatal victim of shaken baby syndrome, according to the News-Gazette.  This year marks the third anniversary of young Reagan's death, and the vigil is open to the community.  According to the autopsy report, the toddler died at age two and a half of head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome on July 2, 2006, while in the care of her mother, Tracy Green, and Green's boyfriend, Ryan Allhands.  Twenty-three-year-old Allhands awaits a July 20th trial and faces charges of first-degree murder for Reagan's death.

According to Reagan's paternal grandfather, Greg Williams, the vigil is not about placing blame, but about celebrating the life of the toddler, sharing memories, and coming together for healing.  Williams plans to share information about abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) and domestic violence at the event, especially since so many child abuse and shaken baby syndrome cases continue to arise.  Williams believes that more education is crucial:  after Reagan died, Williams, his wife, and the baby's other grandparents joined forces to start a nonprofit organization that supports local agencies for victims of abuse and implements awareness programs on domestic violence and shaken baby syndrome.   Through the organization, Reagan's Rescue, as well as other shaken baby syndrome organizations, Williams has been able to help other grandfathers cope after losing their grandchildren in similar cases of abuse.

If you have lost a child due to shaken baby syndrome, child abuse and child injury attorney Chris Keane can help you connect with other families and organizations that can help you through the coping process.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm can help you find the medical care your child needs to diagnose and treat his or her injuries.  For free answers to any questions you may have regarding shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), wrongful death, or helpful programs for victims of child abuse, contact Chris Keane in an online form or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

"Conscious Fathering" Class Teaches New Dads Parenting Basics, Educates Them on Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

According to the King 5 news website, experts are linking the rise in instances of child abuse this year to the nation's economic state.  A class for new dads in Washington state, however, aims to lower the child abuse statistics and keep children and babies safe by educating fathers on parenting.  The class, Conscious Fathering, teaches the basics of caring for a baby such as feeding, changing diapers, and bathing, but it also focuses on teaching fathers how to take care of themselves.  Dads learn how to recognize the signs of stress and calm themselves down rather than attempting to calm their crying babies by shaking them.  Among the common signs of stress mentioned in the class are a clenched jaw, clammy skin, talking loudly or rapidly, and feeling overheated.

According to the creator of the class, Bernie Dorsey, anyone who cares and loves for children and spends any amount of time around a young child will become frustrated, and preparing fathers for the feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated gives them more confidence and takes away some of the fears of not doing things correctly.  Dorsey says that 80% of men enter fatherhood without having any significant experience with infants, so it is important to inform fathers that it's okay to put down a crying baby in order to take care of one's own overwhelming feelings.  During the two-hour class, dads are also asked to share shaken baby prevention tips with others who will be caring for young children.

For more information on shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact abusive head trauma and child injury attorney Chris Keane, who focuses his practice on representing injured or abused children.  If you believe that your baby or a baby you know may have suffered from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm will send you helpful resources, free information, and provide free answers to your most important questions.

Click here to contact Chris Keane in an online form.

To contact Chris Keane by phone, call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Father Says Baby Was Unresponsive, Admits to Shaking Baby & Faces Homicide by Child Abuse Charge | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

The father of a two-month-old baby was arrested and faces a charge of homicide by child abuse due to the death of the child which may have resulted from shaken baby syndrome, according to the WIS 10 news website.  According to the site, the Orangeburg, SC, father told authorities that he tripped while holding his baby and then found the baby to be unresponsive, and he admits that his response was to shake the child.  According to the news source, Anwar Young faces 20 years to life in prison if convicted of child abuse charges.

Neonatologist Dr. Kim Lee is quoted in the article for explaining that babies will cry simply to communicate and, though the sound can be "loud and frustrating," parents must learn to put their babies down and walk into another room for a while if necessary to calm their own nerves.  According to Lee, it appears as if advice in the "old days" told parents to shake babies in order to arouse them from what must be sleepiness if the babies were less responsive than usual.  Current medical research, however, has found that shaking a baby can be extremely dangerous since the brain tissue of a young baby is not developed completely.  In fact, doctors say that shaking a baby can lead to delays in development, bleeding in the brain, or even death.  According to the website, all hospitals give parents information regarding shaken baby syndrome, why it occurs, and what to do instead of shaking a baby.  Among the information some hospitals are including is the fact that some babies can cry over three hours a day up to three months of age, sometimes for no apparent reason.

If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm can help you by providing you with relevant resources, information, and free answers to your pressings questions unique to your particular situation.  Child abuse and child injury attorney Chris Keane focuses his practice on representing children and only children, fighting as an advocate for those who have been abused, injured, or suffered wrongful death.  For free resources, answers to questions, and information regarding how to receive the best medical care for your child, contact Chris Keane on the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Baby Dies After Father Admits Shaking Him

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Symptoms of Abusive Head Trauma | California Child Injury Lawyer

Although certain factors may increase the likelihood that a child may become a victim of abusive head trauma (also called shaken baby syndrome), shaken baby syndrome can occur in any place, at any time, and under the care of any person.  As a result, it is important to know the common signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma and seek medical care immediately if you believe that your child may have suffered from any kind of serious injury.  While the list here is not comprehensive, it includes some of the common signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma:

  • Poor feeding

  • Weakness and/or a change in overall muscle tone

  • Vomiting

  • Trouble breathing or sudden cardiac or respiratory arrest

  • Pale skin coloring

  • Cool skin temperature

  • Failure to thrive

  • Irritability

  • Decrease in alertness

  • Seizures

  • Swollen fontanelles (the soft spots on an infant's head)


If your child has any of these symptoms, seek medical examination as soon as possible, and remember the following facts about shaken baby syndrome when caring for your child:

  1. The symptoms of shaken baby syndrome may appear together; only one symptom may be present; or no symptoms may be apparent at first.

  2. In some instances, no outward signs of physical trauma, such as bruising, scrapes or other injuries, will be visible, although caregivers may notice a change in the baby's behavior.


No matter what, victims of shaken baby syndrome should receive medical treatment promptly following their injuries.  At the Keane Law Firm, child injury lawyer Chris Keane devotes his practice to ensuring that injured children receive the compensation they require to get proper medical care and heal from injuries as soon as possible.  If your child has been injured or has suffered from abusive head trauma, feel free to contact Chris Keane for free answers and information regarding your questions and unique situation.  The Keane Law Firm will compassionately and professionally work to help you in finding the right doctors and treatment for your child.

Contact Chris Keane via the web, or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Charity Gives Van to Family of Shaken Baby Syndrome Victim | California Child Injury Lawyer

Thanks to Merrimack Valley's Sen. Steven Baddour Charity Fund, the 12-year-old survivor of shaken baby syndrome will be able to make it to his doctor's appointments more easily.  The charity recently gave his mother, Carrie Bergeron, a van with a wheelchair lift for her son, Wayne Elliott, who suffered from shaken baby syndrome at only 5 months of age and was left unable to see, talk, or walk.

The charity group, which has also donated generous amounts of money to hospitals and given smaller items to families, found out about the family's need from Wayne's nurse, who described their dilemma of not being able to travel as a family in their 2000 Jeep Cherokee and how Wayne could not fit into his special car seat anymore.  With the handicap-accessible van, Carrie will not only be able to transport Wayne to his medical appointments, but will gladly take him and the rest of the family fishing.

If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome and you need help finding the proper medical care, other resources, or answering questions regarding your unique situation, feel free to contact shaken baby syndrome attorney Chris Keane.  Devoted to representing children and only children in neglect, abuse, and injury cases, Chris Keane will answer your most pressing questions for free and consult with you regarding your situation with compassion.

Click here to contact Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Baddour Foundation Donates Van to Help Family of Shaken Baby

California Man Faces Child Abuse Charges of Shaking His 8-Month-Old Daughter | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A man from La Habra, California pleaded not guilty on Monday, June 15, to shaking his 8-month-old baby, but he still faces an preliminary hearing on August 3rd regarding his charges of child abuse and endangerment, according to the Whittier Daily News website.  The alleged incident occurred May 16 when, according to the spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's Office, 37-year-old Joseph Wise shook the child forward, backward, and upside-down before throwing her on the bed.  The same date, Los Angeles County firemen and La Habra police received a call reporting that the baby was not breathing, and when they arrived at Wise's residence, they found the young girl experiencing difficulty breathing and rushed her to a local medical center.  Although the baby was released from the hospital over a week ago, she reportedly suffered severe bodily injury and medical problems that could have turned fatal without proper care.

After seeing the serious effects of child injuries, child abuse, and shaken baby syndrome first-hand, the Keane Law Firm is committed to representing children and only children in abuse and injury cases, and we hope for the fast and full recovery of the little girl in this incident.  If you believe that your child may have been abused or may be suffering from abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome), feel free to contact child injury attorney Chris Keane with your most important questions.  As an advocate for survivors of shaken baby syndrome, he will compassionately and professionally answer all of your questions for free.

Contact Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link: 

La Habra Man Denies Abusing Baby Daughter; Officials Say Child Shaken

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Studies Aim to Determine Effectiveness of Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Programs | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer

Shaken baby syndrome prevention programs in Pennsylvania and North Carolina will be tested by studies funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according an article on the Entrepreneur website.  Now called "abusive head trauma" by medical professionals, shaken baby syndrome seriously injures or kills numerous babies each year.  As different states develop new efforts aimed at preventing the devastating cases of pediatric trauma, the results of these studies should give them some direction and add to existing research on abusive head trauma.

According to the article, the first study will research the results of intervention programs in Pennsylvania hospitals, where every new parent receives educational information on shaken baby syndrome including a brochure, video, conversation with a medical expert, and a commitment statement to sign stating that the parent received and understood the materials and information.  The materials focus on four essential points:  excessive crying is normal, calming a baby is possible in some ways, calming yourself is necessary when experiencing frustration, and choosing proper caregivers is a must.  Also in Pennsylvania, the state's counties will be divided in half:  one half will receive "booster" sessions for parents to bring their babies to pediatricians for immunizations, and the other half will not.  At each visit, parents will receive a "crying card" with the same four points emphasized at hospitals as well as information on swaddling a baby.  The research study aims to determine if the program prevents shaken baby syndrome-related fatalities and ER visits and if the booster sessions increase the effectiveness of the program.

The second study aims to determine the effectiveness of North Carolina's prevention programs.  Nurses who work in hospital and birthing center nurseries will show and give parents of infants a DVD that discusses options for responding to crying babies as well as how normal crying is in newborns.   Physicians and pediatricians will also give the DVD to new parents at doctor visits.  By October of this year, every new parent in the state should receive similar information regarding abusive head trauma.

As a shaken baby syndrome lawyer in California, Chris Keane joins state efforts to research, prevent, and provide education regarding abusive head trauma.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact Chris Keane for more information, resources and materials, and a free consultation regarding your unique situation.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Relevant Link:

Studies Aim to Prevent Abusive Head Trauma