Fatal Injury Experts Gather to Discuss Abusive Head Trauma, Among Other Topics | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

Although many news stories have been reporting about various conferences, training events, and even social gatherings that focus on educating the public on the dangers and effects of shaken baby syndrome, few of them have written of the meetings among experts intended to deepen their insight on the subject.  According to the STL Today website, however, a recent conference at St. Louis University gathered experts on fatal injuries in an effort to deepen their knowledge of related subject matter, including shaken baby syndrome.  In a gathering of coroners, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and crime scene investigators, speakers at the Conference for Advanced Death Investigation discussed the topic of abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome), among other subject matter.

As an advocate for children who have suffered serious or fatal injuries as a result of abusive head trauma, attorney Chris Keane has been working with the experts on the subject for over fifteen years.  If you have questions regarding shaken baby syndrome or believe that your child may be suffering from the injury, feel free to contact Chris Keane for free resources, helpful information, and answers regarding your specific situation.

Click here to contact Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Links Shaken Baby Syndrome to Economic Stressors | Child Abuse Attorney

Experts at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Tennessee have confirmed the assumptions around the country that domestic violence, including cases of shaken baby syndrome, is linked in part to the economy, according to the News Channel 5 website.  With an increasing number of shaken baby and other child abuse cases in middle Tennessee, the Northeast, and the Midwest, Vanderbilt officials claim that financial, environmental, and marital difficulties are putting pressure on families, leading to acts of "non-accidental trauma."  Already aware of the trend in which shaken baby syndrome surrounds areas experiencing times of difficulty and frustration, child abuse prevention experts in Tennessee are on "high alert" in an effort to help parents before it's too late.  While acknowledging the link between the current economic state and the rise in shaken baby cases, however, experts also assert that economic troubles are not, by any means, the sole cause or factor in cases of abuse.

If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome (formally called "abusive head trauma" to emphasize the types of serious injuries it inflicts upon its victims), feel free to contact child injury and child abuse attorney Chris Keane with your most important questions.  As an advocate for victims of abusive head trauma, Keane will provide you with free resources to help you find the best medical care for your child, and he will consult with you for free regarding your unique situation.  Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

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More Reports of Abuse During Tough Times

Parents Charged in Shaken Baby Death of 4-Month-Old Child | Wrongful Death Lawyer

Parents of a 4-month-old baby who died of shaken baby syndrome in 2007 are facing the courts in connection with the fatal incident of child abuse, according to the Clarion Ledger.   Judge Tomie Green believes that both parents, who live in Jackson, Mississippi, are guilty of child neglect and abuse that occurred on multiple occasions.  Monday, July 27, father Christopher Brown Sr., age 28, told Judge Green that the baby's injuries occurred when he was throwing the child into the air and the infant accidentally landed on the floor.  Brown claims that he shook his son because the child appeared to be in a daze.  At Monday's sentencing, a forensic pathologist testified that the baby's death resulted from shaken baby syndrome, despite Brown's story.  According to the autopsy, little Brown Jr. had suffered previous injuries, as well, for which the couple said they did not seek medical treatment because they were afraid they'd lose the child, even though they claimed the injuries resulted from an accident.  As a result, Brown Sr. was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but the judge suspended 20 of them since he believes the father was not solely responsible for the baby's fatality.  Amanda Kersh, the infant's mother, has been charged with felony child neglect and is scheduled to enter a plea on August 3rd.

As an experienced shaken baby syndrome and child wrongful death lawyer, Chris Keane is familiar with the indescribable trauma experienced after losing a child, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the relatives who are mourning the wrongful death of this infant.  Although nothing can compensate for the tragic loss of a baby, certain measures can be taken to help families of shaken babies.  If you would like to know more about how the Keane Law Firm can assist you in your recovery, feel free to contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

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Clarion Ledger:  10-Year Sentence Given

Healthy Start Coalition's Baby Shower & Expo to Discuss Shaken Baby Syndrome | California Child Injury Lawyer

Shaken baby syndrome awareness is spreading throughout the country, with some of the educational efforts coming from groups that are not directly linked to child abuse prevention.  One group in particular is the Healthy Start Coalition of Santa Rosa County, Florida, which has announced the details for its second annual baby shower and expo, according to the PNJ website.  The event, scheduled for August 8th, will honor new and expectant mothers and offer encouragement, educational materials, information regarding community support services, and other helpful resources.  Among the topics of discussion in presentations are immunization, alcohol abuse or smoking during pregnancy, the benefits of breastfeeding, and shaken baby syndrome.  While some may be concerned that shaken baby syndrome prevention seminars do not appeal to the public and, therefore, do not attract the public, leaving them uneducated about the issue, events such as this baby shower attract crowds and, hopefully, achieve the desired goal while honoring and celebrating parenthood.  According to the site, over 600 people attended the event last year.

If you would like more information about shaken baby syndrome or prevention efforts in your community, feel free to contact child abuse and child injury lawyer Chris Keane of California's Keane Law Firm.  As an advocate for victims of shaken baby syndrome, Keane will help you find the best medical care for your child and provide you with the resources you need to ensure that your baby reaches maximum recovery.  Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Uncle Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse After Shaking Infant Nephew | Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer

A man from Longmont, Colorado, could face six to ten years in prison for negligent child abuse in connection with shaking his infant nephew in 2008, according to the Colorado Daily website.  Although the 18-month-old shaken baby syndrome victim is reportedly doing well now, the baby was only 8 weeks old when he sustained multiple injuries and hematomas on the brain when his uncle, 36-year-old Troy Pierce, allegedly shook him while babysitting.   After the infant's parents expressed concern that their child was having tremors and problems with his eyes, the baby suffered from seizures at the hospital, and Pierce was arrested in March 2008.  Friday, July 24, the uncle pled guilty to the felony child abuse charge for seriously injuring the boy.

As an advocate for injured and abused children, shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane devotes his practice to representing children and only children.  If you believe that your child has been injured as a result of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), feel free to contact Chris Keane with your most pressing questions.  The Keane Law Firm will freely provide you with the information and resources you need to ensure that your child receives the best possible medical care and rehabilitation.  For free advice regarding your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Memorial Hospital for Children Implements Child Abuse Prevention Program to Combat Rise in Shaken Baby Cases

Memorial Hospital for Children in Colorado Springs has already treated 25 abused babies this year, with six of the children suffering fatal injuries and the rest of them inflicted with brain damage, blindness, paralysis, or other serious conditions, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.  Twenty-six total cases of child abuse were handled by the hospital last year-- showing a significant rise in child abuse for 2009 based on the 25 cases seen by the hospital in just seven months this year.  Also from January through July of 2009, twice the number of babies have died as a result of child abuse than the number recorded for all of last year.  According to officials from Memorial Hospital, the majority of these incidents of abuse are cases of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), and the hospital hopes to combat these rising numbers with a new prevention program scheduled to begin August 1st.  Similar to prevention efforts in other states, the program involves teaching all new parents (and, hopefully, other family members) about the dangers of shaking a child as well as how to handle a baby's chronic crying when it occurs at home.

According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the rise in abusive head trauma cases is a trend across the United States, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 cases per year, but research shows that prevention efforts such as the one adopted by Memorial Hospital may cut the number of shaken baby cases in half.  Not only is the new program intended to prevent parents from abusing their children, but also to cause parents to be extremely careful when choosing caregivers for their babies.

For more information about abusive head trauma, its effects, and how to receive the best medical care for your child, contact shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS. He will be glad to provide you with free resources and advice regarding your unique situation.

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Gazette:  Memorial combats rise in shaken-baby cases with new program

8-Month-Old Child Dies from Shaken Baby Syndrome Injuries, Monterey Man Arrested | CA Child Wrongful Death Lawyer

An 8-month-old child from Monterey, CA, died Monday, July 27, from injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, according to the KION news website.  The initial report of injury occurred Friday, July 24, when police received a call from the Casa Verde Inn stating that a baby was unconscious after falling.  According to the site, the child was then transported to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula before being airlifted to Stanford Medical Center for treatment.  Twenty-four-year-old William Fajardo was arrested the same day in connection with incident and now faces charges of homicide and assault resulting in child fatality, among other charges.  Investigators reported that Fajardo's girlfriend, 17, was not present at the time of the alleged shaking incident.

Wrongful death from shaken baby syndrome is something no child should have to suffer, and no parent should have to live with the burden that a child's fatal injuries may have been prevented.  As an advocate for families who have lost children due to shaken baby syndrome and other cases of injury or abuse, Chris Keane is familiar with the indescribable pain and suffering experienced after tragedy, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family of the young victim in this incident.  For free resources, information, and answers to any questions regarding wrongful death or shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

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KION:  Baby Dies, Man Arrested for Child Abuse

Child Abuse & Shaken Baby Cases Rising in Weakened Economy | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Police in the metropolitan Las Vegas area have recently found that the number of child abuse cases in Clark County, NV, have risen 17 percent this year, according to Fox 5 News Las Vegas.  According to the news channel, Metro Lieutenant Ray Steiber attributes the increase in broken bones and shaken baby syndrome at least partly to the nation's economic situation, which puts stress on families due to the loss of jobs, difficulty paying bills, and other hardships.  In the year 2008, police in metro Las Vegas responded to nine cases of shaken baby syndrome total.  This year, they have already handled seven cases of shaken baby syndrome (from January through July).  In response to the devastating trend this year, the police department set a child abuse prevention program in motion in April.  The "Just Step Back" program is similar to prevention efforts in other states in that it partners with local hospitals to educate parents of newborns before they take their children home.  Like many other programs, the Las Vegas effort uses a video to demonstrate the dangers of shaking or abusing a baby.

If you have questions regarding shaken baby syndrome prevention or what to do if you believe a baby has been shaken, feel free to contact child abuse and child injury lawyer Chris Keane for free information and resources.  Also called abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome requires serious attention, and Chris Keane will work as an advocate to ensure your child receives the best medical care and other needs following a shaking injury.  For free answers to questions regarding your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

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Fox 5 News:  Child Abuse In Vegas Rises 17 Percent

Shaken Baby Syndrome Facts from ABC Action News | California Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Shaken baby syndrome has caught the attention of the ABC Action News crew, who just posted an article on their website stating the facts of the condition as well as how frustrated parents can find help before they take those frustrations out on their children.  Among the highlighted facts on the site are the following:

• Formally referred to as abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome is a serious condition that often results in fatality.

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, shaken baby syndrome, by definition, is: "a form of inflicted head trauma" that occurs "when a parent or caregiver violently shakes a baby."

• Survivors of abusive head trauma often suffer long-term consequences, including problems in behavior, difficulty learning, seizures, and even blindness.

• Although symptoms of abusive head trauma range from mild to severe, with some of the more mild cases never being diagnosed, the more common symptoms include difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, lethargy, and irritability.

• The most common reason a caregiver shakes an infant or young child is a baby's inconsolable crying.

As a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, Chris Keane devotes his practice to representing injured and abused children.  If you have questions for a legal advocate for injured children, feel free to contact Chris Keane at the Keane Law Firm.  He will provide you with the resources your child needs and consult with you for free regarding your unique situation.  1-888-592-KIDS.

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ABC Action News:  "The Facts about Shaken Baby Syndrome"

Hospital Joins Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Effort | Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Joining the shaken baby syndrome (now formally called abusive head trauma) prevention effort, Salem Hospital in Oregon is providing educational resources to parents of newborns to explain how frequently babies cry and how to handle the tears, thanks to a $26,500 grant from the Children's Trust Fund of Oregon.  According to the Statesman Journal online, nurses and other staff members at the hospital are distributing informational DVDs and brochures to new parents about the "Period of PURPLE Crying," a term used to describe the details of infant crying--how long it lasts, how often it occurs, the age at which it peaks, and other characteristics.  In addition to assuring parents that frequent crying is normal, the materials encourage parents to take short breaks when necessary:  they should not feel guilty for putting a crying baby down for a few minutes in order to calm their own frustrations.

These recent prevention efforts across the U.S. are springing up for a reason:  abusive head trauma can result in serious injuries.  The term abusive head trauma itself communicates the severity of the injury:  shaking a baby inflicts trauma to the head, resulting in a wide range of disabilities, sometimes permanent or even fatal.  If you think that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, seek medical care immediately.  For free answers to any questions you may have regarding how to receive the best medical care for your baby or what to do in your particular situation, contact child injury lawyer Chris Keane.  You may contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

NY Man Charged After CT Scan Reveals Infant's Injuries Consistent With Shaken Baby Syndrome

A 26-year-old New York man was recently charged by police with child endangerment and reckless assault for allegedly shaking a 10-month-old baby on the Fourth of July, according to the Buffalo News website.  Clarence, NY, resident Jordan Mayne was reportedly at his girlfriend's home when he heard the infant crying and went to the baby's room to check on him.  After realizing that the baby was not acting normal when he was fed a few hours later, the infant's mother took him to his grandmother, who called 911.  Upon administering a CT scan to the baby at Women & Children's Hospital, a doctor reported that the scan revealed injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma).  The baby was said to be improving at the time of the report.

If you believe that your baby has been shaken and may be suffering from abusive head trauma, feel free to contact child injury lawyer Chris Keane with any questions you may have.  The Keane Law Firm will provide you with free information and will help you acquire the resources your child needs to reach maximum recovery.  Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Child Permanently Blind in One Eye and Weak in One Leg, Father Receives Sentence for Shaking Baby

A young girl is now permanently blind in one eye and has limited mobility in one leg as a result of being shaken at only 28 days old by her father in Colorado, according to The Greely Tribune online.  Thursday, July 9, Christopther Dahl pled guilty to third-degree child abuse and was sentenced by a Weld District Court judge to spend six years in a community corrections facility.  Following the August 2008 incident of shaken baby syndrome, which resulted in serious injury to the infant, Dahl failed to seek immediate medical care for his daughter Nichole.  Although his estranged wife and her father requested that the judge send Dahl to prison for the maximum time he could serve, Dahl's previously clean record, an apology for his violent behavior, and his recent participation in anger management counseling and child bonding classes were presented to the judge and resulted in the sentence to a community corrections facility rather than prison.

As an advocate for injured and abused children, shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane helps parents receive the medical care, financial resources, and community assistance their children need to recover from abusive head trauma.  If you believe that your child may be suffering a similar injury, contact Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm for free resources and answers to your most important questions.  You may contact the Keane Law Firm online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Father Takes Plea Deal in Shaken Baby Case That Led to Daughter's Death | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A Salt Lake City father took a plea deal Friday, July 10, after facing accusations of shaking his baby to the point of fatal injuries, according to the ABC 4 News website.  Everado Mendoza, 22, will serve up to 15 years in prison for shaking his then two-month-old girl in November 2007, resulting in her death.  Although Mendoza did not admit that he was guilty of the accusation, he admitted that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of shaking his child.  Following his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico.

Child abuse and shaken baby syndrome attorney Chris Keane commits his practice to representing children and only children in injury and abuse cases.  When those cases result in fatality, Keane represents the proper party in a wrongful death case with compassion and professionalism.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma), feel free to contact Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm for free resources and helpful information regarding how to find the medical care your child needs and other concerns unique to you.  If you have lost a child due to shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm expresses its deepest sympathies to you, and we will be glad to answer any questions you have for free regarding your situation.

Click here to contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

FL Sheriff Show to Discuss Abusive Head Trauma & How it Damages a Baby's Brain | California Shaken Baby Lawyer

Shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) demonstrations involving a doll with a visible brain are becoming more and more prevalent across the country in an effort to educate parents and other caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby even mildly for a few seconds or just a few times.  According to the Citrus Daily online, tonight's Citrus County Sheriff's 10-43 show at 7:30 p.m. will discuss "how, when, and why shaken baby syndrome occurs" and use the doll to show viewers exactly how the brain is damaged when a baby is shaken.  University of Florida Child Protection Team Clinical Supervisor Sunshine Arnold will join the show to offer his insight regarding shaken baby syndrome.

For more information on shaken baby syndrome cases, child brain injuries, the legal process, or how to receive the best medical care for your child, the Keane Law Firm has provided a number of options for you:

Request a free copy of child injury lawyer Chris Keane's recent book, Little Kids in BIG Cases:  Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Contact Chris Keane online using our contact form.

Call the Keane Law Firm in San Francisco, CA, for free resources, helpful information, and answers to your most important questions at 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Emergency Room Worker Speaks to News Channel After Father Receives Life Sentence in Shaken Baby Case | CA Child Injury Lawyer

A Colorado emergency room worker recently spoke to News Channel 13 regarding the channel's report on the conviction of the father of a shaken baby.  According to the channel's website, Pueblo, CO, resident Jeff Casias received a life sentence for the wrongful death of his daughter, Jaime Casias, who would have turned three this summer if she had survived.  Due to the "worst case of shaken baby" the doctors had ever seen, says paramedic Sharon Abbey, little Jaime died at only seven weeks of age.  According to Abbey, who first treated Jaime when she arrived at the emergency room, the infant's father brought Jaime to the ER saying that she wasn't breathing and desperately asked the paramedic to "do something."  Upon hearing the court decision regarding Jeff Casias, Abbey told News Channel 13 that she is glad the life sentence sends a message to parents about the seriousness of shaking a baby, though she is heartbroken that no sentence could ever bring justice to the innocent baby.  Abbey hopes that parents and caregivers will learn what to do when a child cries continuously, since it is something that does happen, and will call 911 for help if they have exhausted all resources and don't know what to do with their babies.

If you think that your baby may have been shaken or is suffering from shaken baby syndrome, contact the Keane Law Firm for help regarding medical care, financial assistance, and other resources your child needs to recover from injuries and achieve maximum health.  Chris Keane represents children and only children in shaken baby syndrome and other child injury cases, and he will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.

To contact Chris Keane, fill out the Keane Law Firm's online contact form or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

To request a free copy of Chris Keane's newest book, Little Kids in BIG cases:  Shaken Baby Syndrome, click here.

Grant Given to Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Programs in Colorado, Demonstration Reveals How Brain Damage Occurs

According to the News Channel 13 website, cases of child abuse have increased in El Paso County, Colorado, this year.  As a result, the El Pomar Foundation is providing a total of $34,000 in grant money to three child abuse prevention or child protection organizations in the county.  Among the recipients is the Kids' Place program of Pikes Peak Family Connection.  Receiving a $10,000 grant, Kids' Place is a nursery for parents who need a short break from their children ages 0 to 6.  In an effort to inform the public on the dangers of shaken baby syndrome, Jennifer West, Nursery Director for Kids' Place, used a test doll to demonstrate to News Channel 13 the serious effects of shaking a baby.  The video demonstration revealed that in about 3 shakes and less than 3 seconds, a child can suffer brain damage.  According to the site, damage to the front of a baby's brain affects learning and emotion, while damaging the back of a baby's brain affects the child's vision.  When the side and top of the brain are damaged, a baby's speech, hearing, and movement become impaired.  The point is simple:  never shake a baby.

If you think that your baby has been shaken, seek medical care as soon as possible, and feel free to contact child injury attorney Chris Keane for helpful resources and information regarding your situation.  If you would like to find out more about how Chris Keane can help you and your child recover following an instance of shaken baby syndrome, contact the Keane Law Firm online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

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News Channel 13 Story and Video