Thursday, October 29, 2009

5-Week-Old Boy Hospitalized for Shaken Baby Syndrome, 19-Year-Old Father Arrested

A 19-year-old father from Missouri was arrested after his infant was found with bleeding of the brain and other injuries caused by shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma), according to the NWA online website.  The 5-week-old boy was hospitalized Saturday at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and was reported to be in critical condition after his mother observed that he was experiencing difficulty breathing and took him to Mercy Medical Center.

According to the article, father Zachary Campbell told police that he was stressed from lack of sleep caused by the infant's crying.  He reportedly told investigators that he shook his son because the baby was crying.

As an advocate for injured and abused children, Chris Keane hopes for the full and fast recovery of this infant.  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.

Relevant Link:

Report: Baby Hospitalized After Apparent Shaking

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Treatment for Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

Although treatment for shaken baby syndrome varies depending on the specific situation and other factors, including the age of the child and the extent and type of injuries involved, some of the immediate treatments are relatively common among shaken baby syndrome victims.  An infant or child who has been shaken should be taken and admitted to a hospital as soon as possible, where doctors will closely observe, monitor, and treat the baby.  If physicians see signs of brain swelling and breathing problems, they will send the baby to the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory support (in the form of oxygen therapy or a ventilator), since such problems may lead to a stroke or dead brain cells.  Sometimes a shaken baby may need to undergo surgery to treat brain swelling and internal bleeding.  In many instances, doctors may need to drain the blood around the brain to prevent future brain damage.

In addition to the use of a breathing machine or surgery, medicine may be prescribed to prevent seizures and decrease brain swelling.  If necessary, doctors may place shunts where appropriate to move fluid from certain parts of the body.  If your child's brain injuries are severe or life-threatening, he or she may require more time in the hospital for treatment.  An IV (short for intravenous fluids) may be required to keep body fluids and salts under control, or a tube for emptying or feeding the stomach may be needed.

Upon evaluation of the degree of injury or other injuries sustained, doctors may administer other treatment to the shaken baby.  To diagnose head injuries more definitively, doctors may call for brain scans (like MRIs and CTs) or extensive evaluations of the eyes and brain.  Other injuries from the abuse are evaluated and treated, as well, such as broken bones, cuts, or seizures.

The few treatments described here (not a comprehensive list) reveal just how serious shaken baby syndrome is.  If you believe your child has been shaken or you have any questions regarding abusive head trauma, seek immediate medical attention, and feel free to contact shaken baby syndrome attorney Chris Keane for helpful resources in your time of need.  Contact Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Links/ Resources:

Keane Law Firm | What Kind of Treatment is Common After Shaken Baby Syndrome?

PDR Health |  How is Shaken Baby Syndrome Treated?

WebMD |  Shaken Baby Syndrome:  Treatment Overview

Medicine Net | What are the Treatments for Shaken Baby Syndrome?

NINDS | Is There Any Treatment?

Friday, October 23, 2009

Licensed Day Care Provider Charged for Shaken Baby Death

A day care provider from Talbot County, Maryland, has been arrested in connection with the shaken baby death of a nine-month old boy she cared for in her home, according to the WBOC 16 news website.  Police say that 911 received a call from Gail Dobson, 52, on September 2, who requested an ambulance and stated that the baby was experiencing difficulty breathing.  When paramedics arrived, baby Trevor Ulrich, 9 months old, was in full cardiac arrest.  Despite efforts from two hospitals, Little Trevor was pronounced dead at a children's hospital the next day.  According to the autopsy, the child died of inflicted head trauma, an injury caused by shaken baby syndrome, and the death was ruled a homicide.  Upon investigation and review of medical evidence, authorities determined that Trevor sustained his fatal injuries while under Dobson's care.  As a result, Dobson has been charged with manslaughter, several counts of child abuse, assault, and reckless endangerment.  She is currently being held on a $750,000 bond in Maryland's Talbot County Detention Center.

Dobson was a licensed day care provider who only watched baby Trevor for two days, yet she allegedly inflicted trauma on the child's head, causing a fatal case of shaken baby syndrome.

As a shaken baby syndrome attorney and father of two, Chris Keane expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of baby Trevor.  Although nothing can compensate for the tragic and indescribably difficult loss of a child, certain measures can be taken to help surviving family members as they go through the grieving process.  For more information on shaken baby syndrome, wrongful death, and how you can receive free help during your time of need, contact Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm.

You may contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Relevant Link:

Talbot County Day Care Provider Charged in Infant's Death

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Rural Areas May See More Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome, Says Child Abuse Prevention Expert

We have posted news here on the Shaken Baby Syndrome Blog about the link between economic troubles and increased instances of shaken baby syndrome.  According to child abuse prevention expert Leah Wohlsdorf, there is also a strong correlation between rural areas and cases of shaken baby abuse, also called abusive head trauma due to the extensive amount of trauma to the head that occurs when a baby is shaken.  As the executive director of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, Wholsdorf reported to The Bismark Tribune that situations in rural areas can lead to an escalation in instances of abusive head trauma.  According to the Tribune, the correlation exists because isolation, which often occurs when people live great distances from each other and houses are miles apart, can lead to increased stress and, as a result, abuse during frustrating times.  It can also become more difficult to stay calm when a baby cries if there is no one else around to help or give a break to the primary caregiver.

No matter the cause of shaken baby syndrome, the condition is not to be taken lightly.  If you believe that your child or a child you know may be suffering from abusive head trauma, feel free to contact child injury attorney Chris Keane with your most pressing questions and concerns.  As an experienced shaken baby syndrome lawyer who works with the best medical experts in the field on a regular basis, he will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  For free resources, information on how you may pursue a case even if the caregiver did not intentionally harm your baby, or advice concerning your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Prevent Child Abuse N.D. offers advice

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Infant Twins Suffer Severe Head Injuries After Alleged Abuse From Father | Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

An Indiana father who allegedly abused and shook his infant twins over two years ago was recently arrested for aggravated battery and neglect (two counts of each), according to The Herald Bulletin.  According to the then 3-month-old twins' mother, she left the twins in thirty-one-year-old Antonio S. Jones' care while she was on a trip and found visible injuries on both babies when she returned.  After seeing the injuries, including facial bruises, the mother took the twin brother and sister to a local hospital.  Upon further medical examination, the brother was found to have blood in the whites of his eyes, bruises and wounds in his mouth, on his nose, and around his head.  He was also found to have fractured arm, thigh, and tibia bones that were healing.  His twin sister also had bleeding in the whites of her eyes, as well as bruising on the eyes, nose, cheeks, and mouth.  She was found to have a skull fracture and many other bone fractures on her body.  Due to their severe head and brain injuries, the twins were diagnosed with abusive head trauma.  They are currently in their mother's custody.

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.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Family Skills Center Joins Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Effort, Provides Tips for Parents

Birmingham, Alabama's Exchange Club Family Skills Center has joined the abusive head trauma prevention effort, according to the CBS 42 news website.  The center partnered with other agencies in a child safety fair that included a display demonstrating the trauma that occurs in child's brain when it is shaken.  The shaken baby simulator is a doll with a clear skull so that viewers can see different parts of the doll's brain light up when shaking occurs.  The light highlights an area that suffers damage from the shaking.  What surprises many viewers is how quickly and easily the baby's brain is damaged; within three seconds, the baby may suffer damage to its eyesight, ability to feel normal emotions, or even fatal damage.  In order to help those who don't know what to do when their babies cry excessively, the center lists these tips (adapted here):

1. Rock or bounce your child gently in a steady motion, stand with your baby in front of a mirror, or walk around the room with him or her.

2. Use a noisemaker, such as a vacuum, ceiling fan, or running water, to tune out unwanted noises.

3. Put your child in a bouncy seat or take your baby for a ride in the stroller or car.

4. Sing or play soothing music for your child.

5. Massage your child on the head or forehead to soothe them.

6. If you feel as if nothing works and you've tried it all, understand that some babies (over 3 months old) need to cry for a while before they wear themselves out.  Let them cry if you know they are okay, and stay calm.

For more information on abusive head trauma or free answers to questions regarding your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or at 888-592-KIDS.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Prevent Child Abuse Organization Receives Grant for Simulator Dolls Aimed at Shaken Baby Prevention

In the midst of economic troubles, organizations in Georgia are thankful to be the recipients of grants from the Coweta Community Foundation, some of which will help in shaken baby syndrome prevention, according to the Times-Herald online.  The mission of the foundation is to provide grants to a variety of causes that will better the quality of life for local residents.  Among those charitable causes is shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma) prevention.  Specifically, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Coweta was given $1,000 to purchase three dolls that simulate how abusive head trauma affects a child's brain.  The simulator dolls will be placed in three separate Coweta County high schools in an effort to educate students and the local community on the serious dangers of baby shaking.  Grant money to the organization has already aided in the purchase of educational DVDs aimed at shaken baby prevention, as well.

Not only is it helpful for organizations to receive grants like this in the midst of difficult economic times for financial reasons, but also for a bigger reason:  since economic crisis leads to a significant rise in incidents of child abuse, it is more important than ever to aid in abusive head trauma prevention.  If you feel that this economy has led someone to neglect or abuse your child, contact Chris Keane for free answers to all of your questions and help recovering financial compensation for the care and rehabilitation that your child needs.  If you have any questions for a child injury and shaken baby syndrome lawyer who works as an advocate for injured and abused children, contact the Keane Law Firm so we can help you help your child.  1-888-592-KIDS.  (1-888-592-5437).

2 1/2-Month-Old Girl Dies From Abusive Head Trauma in Florida, Father Charged With First-Degree Murder

A 23-year-old father has been charged with aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder for allegedly shaking his 2 1/2-month-old daughter in Winter Springs, Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel.  Ventrel Gammons was with baby Samiyah over two years ago while the baby's mother was away, and the child reportedly stopped breathing.  Upon medical examination, it was concluded that the baby died of internal trauma (blunt force trauma) to the head.  In addition to abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome), the little girl suffered four broken ribs and had broken her leg only one month before the incident.  Due to severe head injuries from the alleged abuse, the girl died.  Gammons' trial was scheduled for September 29 at the time of the report.

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.