In Kansas, Kansas Joins National Campaign to Prevent Infant Abuse | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma, is the most dangerous and most common form of abuse in children under one. In an effort to spread awareness about normal infant crying, the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants, Kansas Children’s Service League is joining a national public education campaign to make thousands of purple colored baby caps to give to parents and remind them about this frustrating, although normal, period in an infant’s development.

The grassroots campaign called, CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps, invites knitters and crocheters across North America to make purple colored baby caps which will be delivered to families in November and December with the Period of PURPLE Crying, an evidence based program that educates parents about normal infant crying, ways to cope with the crying and the dangers of reacting in frustration by shaking or abusing an infant.

Kansas has been invited to participate in the national CLICK for Babies campaign, now in its second year, by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. “Kansas has shown a commitment to the prevention of infant abuse and has made great strides in providing education to parents and caregivers,” says Ryan Steinbeigle, Director of Development for the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Kansas Children’s Service League has set a goal of collecting 7,500 purple caps for the 2012 campaign. Caps will be collected from now until the end of September and distributed to babies in birthing hospitals during November and December.

Knitters and crocheters are invited to send their finished caps to the KCSL Wichita office at 1365 N. Custer, Wichita, KS 67203.

More information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, including additional statewide drop-off sites, patterns for caps, guidelines and details about the Kansas campaign are available at www.CLICKforbabies.org.

Excerpt taken from article you can read more about click here.

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Illinois, Police, DCFS investigate death of baby hurt at daycare | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Hoffman Estates Police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are reportedly investigating the death of a 4-month-old girl who died Saturday, possibly from shaken baby syndrome.

The baby girl, Anna Belle Chung, of Mount Prospect, reportedly suffered injuries at a home-based day-care center in Hoffman Estates and died three days later, said the medical examiner’s office.

The unidentified person reportedly being investigated for possible child abuse in Chung’s death was also investigated by DCFS for unrelated child abuse allegations in May 2010 that were later determined to be unfounded, said agency spokesman Jimmie Whitelow.

The girl’s parents reportedly are not the focus of the investigation, Whitelow said.

The day-care center reportedly looks like just another single family home on Crimson Drive in Hoffman Estates. But a look through the front window makes it clear the home has been set up to be a day-care center, with small chairs and tables, play stations and toys lining the wall, cribs in the dining room. The front landing is covered with chalk drawings of trains and other images.

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Maine, Child abuse experts: How to cope with crying | Shaken Baby Syndrome

*Excerpt taken from article published here*

The court documents describing two month-old Ethan Henderson's injuries describe a father who became overwhelmed with his screaming baby, and lost control.

The documents state that Gordon Collins-Faunce called 911 and reported that his baby was having trouble breathing. Ethan was then taken by ambulance to the hospital. Collins-Faunce originally told police that he found Ethan in his crib struggling to breathe. But over the course of that day and the next, his story changed. He eventually admitted that Ethan was crying, so he picked the baby up by his head, squeezed, and then threw him into a chair. He told police he was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Collins-Faunce also told police he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome from suffering abuse as a child, and he often forgets to take his medication. Kids Free To Grow Executive Director Laurie DuPaul says cases like this are always preventable. She says parents who are feeling overwhelmed should reach out for help, and that we as a community need to start talking about these kinds of issues so that new parents don't feel like they are alone.

"Child abuse is something no one wants to talk about," DuPaul said. "I heard it recently spoken of as a dirty little secret. Everyone knows someone who has been abused or they've been abused themselves but no one wants to talk about it. It's something that needs to be talked about because it is preventable. Child abuse does not have to happen."

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Oklahoma, New commercials help parents deal with crying baby | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Three seconds of shaking is all it takes to end or drastically alter a baby's life.

That's the message behind a new commercial campaign by the Parent Child Center in an effort to expand its Never Shake a Baby program.

"Really, you never want to shake a baby. Three seconds is the catalyst for when a lot of damage is done," said Matthew Eber, spokesman for the Parent Child Center.

One commercial portrays a young girl expressing regret for shaking her little sister to death and the other has a father expressing similar regret over shaking his daughter. Both are set in a surreal, nightmarish backdrop.

"We wanted to show something visual and regret is a common feeling," Eber said. "A lot of times when someone shakes a baby it's during a moment of stress, someone snaps. It's 4 a.m. and the baby hasn't stopped crying. We want to get it in their heads, so when they're stressed and tired they remember that something that simple can kill a baby."

The commercial campaign is in addition to the Never Shake a Baby program the Parent Child Center offers to new families in area hospitals about what to do when babies won't stop crying.

In 2011, the Never Shake a Baby hospital visitation program was presented to 2,228 birth mothers, 1,088 fathers and 706 other people, all representing 2,249 babies.

"We partnered with the Sarkey's Foundation to do a statewide public awareness campaign to put it in the back of everyone's head to never shake a baby," Eber said.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, abusive head trauma, which includes shaken baby syndrome, is the leading cause of non-accidental child death and near death in Oklahoma.

"Every parent I know has experienced moments when they feel completely at a loss as to how to calm their crying baby. When you're exhausted and frustrated, that situation can escalate and you can overreact. It only takes three to five seconds to do irreparable harm by shaking a baby," said Desiree Doherty, PCCT executive director. "With the help of community partners, like the Sarkey's Foundation, we can educate more parents of newborns about the dangers of shaking a baby and how to prevent it. The key is to understand crying as normal infant behavior and calming yourself while trying a variety of safe-for-baby soothing techniques."

For more information and to view the commercials, go online to tulsaworld.com/3seconds

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Texas, Grandmothers gather for 'Baby 101' | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Seven grandmothers gathered together for Medical Center Hospital’s inaugural “grandmother tea”, where they learned about the most recent baby feeding practices and safety information.

“Who else besides the father of the baby is a big influence in the mom’s life?” MCH nurse and lactation consultant Marla Renfro asked the class rhetorically, explaining why they were reaching out to grandmothers.

One family even sent out two generations of women, since grandmother-to-be Melody Gilbert brought along her own mother Janice Boyles.

“I want to be a support to my daughter-in-law,” Gilbert said.

She said her grandson Grey is due May 29th.

While Gilbert said she raised three children, things have changed and she wanted the most up-to-date information.

Boyles said that when she raised Gilbert she wrapped her loosely in a baby blanket, while Gilbert said she remembered swaddling, or snugly wrapping a baby, being popular when she was having children.

“That’s something new for me to learn,” Boyles said.

The sessions started off talking about the benefits of breast feeding, and while that’s something only a mother can do, Renfro and her colleague Candy Powell explained that grandmothers could provide accurate breastfeeding information to new mothers.

And while Renfro mentioned the swaddling trend, she said that the most recent research said that skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby is most beneficial.

Powell and Renfro also discussed Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

SIDS, sometimes called “crib death”, is the unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby typically while he or she is asleep, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Parents can reduce risks by placing the baby on his or her back on a firm crib mattress that’s covered by a fitted sheet, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“(Moms) have issues because grandma wants to put the baby on the tummy,” Powell said, explaining that sometimes grandmothers aren’t aware of the risks of SIDS.

Additionally, they touched on Shaken Baby Syndrome and provided grandmothers with informational pamphlets on car seats and basic baby safety.


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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

National Campaign Launches to Spread Awareness about Normal Infant Crying and the Dangers of Shaking an Infant | Shaken Baby Syndrome

 Knitters and crocheters across North America are reportedly being asked to make purple colored baby caps to help educate parents and caregivers

Frustration with a crying infant is reportedly the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants. In an effort to help spread awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is launching a national public education campaign to make tens of thousands of purple colored baby caps.

The grassroots campaign called, CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps, invites knitters and crocheters across North America to make purple colored baby caps which will be delivered to families in November and December with the Period of PURPLE Crying, an evidence based program that educates parents about normal infant crying, ways to cope with the crying and the dangers of reacting in frustration by shaking or abusing an infant. The campaign will launch in April as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"A handmade purple cap is a great way to remind parents about the Period of PURPLE Crying and the dangers of shaking," says Ryan Steinbeigle, Campaign Director. "Last year, over 60,000 PURPLE colored caps were donated and distributed to thousands of families across North America in an effort to prevent infant abuse."

CLICK for Babies, now in its second year, is a collaborative effort between the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and invited states and provinces who have implemented the Period of PURPLE Crying. Oregon, Washington, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, North Carolina, West Virginia, New Hampshire and Maine have joined the 2012 campaign in addition to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

"We are so thrilled to be involved again in the CLICK for Babies campaign," says Sandy Nipper, RN, Child Safety Program Coordinator at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Oregon. "Last Year's campaign was so successful and it was such a wonderful experience to provide all of the handmade purple hats from knitters and crocheters across the country to parents and babies with the PURPLE program."

Organizers have set a goal of collecting 100,000 purple caps for the 2012 campaign. Caps will be collected from April through the end of September and distributed to babies in November and December. Knitters and crocheters are invited to send their caps to organizers in their area or directly to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

More information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, including patterns for caps, guidelines and details about the national campaign are available at www.CLICKforbabies.org .

The Period of PURPLE Crying, developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works nationally to prevent the shaking and abuse of infants, is an evidence based infant abuse prevention program that has been implemented in over 900 hospitals and public health offices across North America to create awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking. To learn more about the Period of PURPLE Crying visit www.PURPLEcrying.info

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

An ounce of prevention can save lives | Shaken Baby Syndrome

*Excerpt of story published for education and awareness*

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) or abusive head trauma (AHT) is more common than one might think. Yet it is also a preventable health issue, one that can be addressed through education and awareness.

SBS/AHT occurs most commonly during the first few months of an infant’s life. This is also a time when prolonged, but often inconsolable, bouts of infant crying occur. These “bouts” are normal and an expected developmental phase. However, most parents and caregivers aren’t aware of this.

Coincidentally, this stage of an infant’s life occurs at a time when parents and caregivers are adjusting to bringing home a new baby, and ultimately, experiencing stress and various emotions at a higher level and frequency.

Through education and awareness, parents and caregivers can become informed about infant crying and SBS/AHT and in turn, prevent trauma from occurring. That was the idea Dr. Ron Barr and Marilyn Barr had when they developed the Period of PURPLE Crying, an evidence-based infant-abuse prevention program, first implemented in North Carolina.

This unique program seeks to create an understanding and a culture shift about the normal pattern of intense early infant crying, the frustration that can accompany it and how to cope. Its overarching goal is to save infants’ lives. Its purpose is to prevent SBS/AHT, which can result in severe, irreversible, lifelong brain damage or death.

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In North Dakota, Shoe Collection for Silent March | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Stop the Shake, an organization reportedly committed ot spreading awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome, is collecting new or gently used shoes for their Silent March, an event to be held in April, to bring awareness to Shaken baby Syndrome and other forms of child abuse. Shoes will be donated to families in need following the event. 


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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Georgia, Optimists hear talk from Prevent Child Abuse Coweta | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome and ways to prevent it were reportedly the focus of a talk to the Newnan Optimist Club recently by representatives of Prevent Child Abuse Coweta.

Speaking to the club at Golden Corral restaurant were reportedly Helen Passantino and Joyce Edmondson. They shared literature on ways to calm a crying baby and the danger of shaking an infant. They brought a baby-sized doll that shows the brain area to aid in their presentation.

"Taking care of a baby can sometimes be as overwhelming as it is joyful. When a baby cries inconsolably, it can leave you frustrated, angry and overwhelmed," it is noted in a Prevent Child Abuse Coweta pamphlet.

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Wisconsin, Shaken baby simulators available for community ed | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Last year in Wisconsin, reportedly almost half of children who died or were seriously injured due to abuse were under three-months-old.

The majority of these cases reportedly involved shaken baby syndrome. In the nation, between 1,200 and 1,600 children each year die as a result of shaken baby syndrome.

In an effort to help prevent these incidents, the Pierce County Citizen Review Panel, one of four panels in the state set up to fulfill mandates of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, has reportedly purchased two shaken baby simulator dolls from Realityworks in Eau Claire for use in the community.

The dolls are intended to educate people on the damage done when a baby is shaken. They are weighted like a real infant with heavy heads and little neck support. The heads are transparent and the different centers of the brain are labeled.


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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Virginia, Grandfather Kneels, and Says Goodnight Prayers next to Empty Crib | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Every night around 10 o'clock, Steve Stowe heads to a bedroom of his house in Hampton, bends his head and says goodnight prayers to an empty crib.

It's a ritual that would break the hearts or the spirits of many of us, but Steve uses it to keep his 3-year-old grandson close, two years after young Jared Patton lost his battle with the fatal, crippling effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The ritual also helps Steve refuel for his own ongoing battle to educate the people of Virginia about the syndrome, and to save the lives of other babies before they are shaken to death — or to what amounts to a slow death — by a caregiver.

But while Jared lived, his grandparents made it their mission to make every moment as loving and special as possible.

Steve has written about that mission in a new book called "Jared's Journey: The Magical Life of a Shaken Baby." It's self-published through Friesen Press.

I can't speak to the full contents because I can't get beyond the introduction without choking up.

Jared, Steve writes, "endured his expedition to earth to teach my wife, Kathy, myself and many others just how to dance with God. …the magical story of Jared's life here on earth must be shared with anyone who has ever doubted the presence of a God, or the numerous layers of strength that the human body can and will endure."

Along with writing this book, Steve and Kathy have been doing what they can to educate others about Shaken Baby Syndrome. They've lobbied state lawmakers to try to get legislation to help educate new parents across the commonwealth.

They haven't succeeded yet, but haven't given up.

With the help of former Newport News delegate Glenn Oder, a resolution passed the General Assembly last year to study the costs of caring for shaken babies and best prevention practices in other states.

The state's Joint Commission on Health Care used the Stowes as a case study, in part because Kathy kept such meticulous records, from every diaper change to every trip to a pharmacy.

The study found the couple spent nearly $230,000 over three years — money that Steve said they begged, borrowed and stole, and are still paying back.

But the study also found Jared's care cost the state an additional $300,000 a year. It would have cost about three times as much, had Jared been institutionalized, as many shaken babies are.

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

What causes Shaken Baby Syndrome? | Educate Yourself |

What causes Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Factors may be present that cause adults and their infants and children to be more at risk for abusive events such as Shaken Baby Syndrome.  Infants at risk include infants less than one year of age, male infants, infants of twin or multiple births, premature infants, infants with health problems and infants that have inconsolable crying spells. Adults at risk for committing abusive acts include adults with poor coping skills, unrealistic expectations, substance abuse, former victims of abuse and adults with mental health problems. Environmental factors that usually culminate in abusive events include social isolation, dysfunctional family characteristics and socio-economic burdens. However, Shaken Baby Syndrome may occur in any setting and it is important to know the signs and symptoms that may be present in an infant or child that may be a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Utah | Cache Valley Groups Work To Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome

The Child and Family Support Center and Logan Regional Hospital are both working to increase education and awareness of shaken baby syndrome by participating in the Purple Crying program developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Purple Crying Program campaign teaches parents that it is normal to have periods of inconsolable crying and, the program helps parents develop a plan for the day when the baby’s crying becomes too much to bear.

“Babies have never died from being left in a crib with the door shut,” said Jolene Kobe, director of the Women’s and Newborn Services at Logan Regional.

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If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Connecticut, Man Pleads Not Guilty In Baby Death | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Osvaldo Romero, the 22 year old man reportedly accused of killing a 3 month old boy earlier this month has pleaded not guilty second-degree manslaughter and risk of injury to a child.

In a voluntary statement given by Romero, he reportedly stated ""I grabbed him under his shoulders and shook him for about four seconds," Romero said. "His head was not supported when I did this. William felt kind of stiff at this point. I could tell that he was not breathing."

An autopsy performed, reportedly shows the boy died from injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

To read more on this story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help children who have suffered from daycare injuries, or families of children who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Family Spotlight | Jared's Journey | Grandson to Steve and Kathy Stowe

Each month, the Keane Law Firm brings to you a Family Spotlight. For the month of December, we would like to introduce to you Steve and Kathy Stowe, grandparents to Jared Patton.

It is believed by many that a true warrior crossed over to the place that God needed him most on Friday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2009. Jared suffered a severe brain injury at the early age of six weeks. All indications proved that Jared should have been at least institutionalized if indeed he made it at all. After many life threatening medical procedures at such an early age, it was clear that Jared wasn’t finished on his journey here. Never able to speak a word, he taught numbers of people vital lessons that they would have never received elsewhere. He seemed to be a professor of unconditional love. You had to leave his presence with a deeper understanding of the principals: Compassion, Wisdom, Tolerance, and Patience.

Shortly after a tragic physical event, his smile would light up the heart of whoever was lucky enough to be around. Jared loved family time at night when he would sit in his Nina’s lap and wait on the popcorn being prepared by his Grandpa Steve, so that they could watch HGTV, unless the Colts or the Orioles might happen to be playing. The Family feels so blessed to have had so much time to spend with their little gladiator.

*excerpt taken from the obituary of Jared Patton at: http://www.shakenbabyva.com/jareds-story/goodbye-jared/

Steve and Kathy have taken giant steps to create Shaken Baby Syndrome of Virginia, Inc. in the memory of Jared, using the grief to fuel the fire in their journey to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome, and ensure that Jared's voice is heard for a lifetime.

Working hours upon hours, to ensure our children of tomorrow are protected, with the parents and care givers educated, Steve recently wrote a book titled, "Jared's Journey". Such an inspiring book of love, hope, inspiration, and the meaning of life all given by Jared.

You may purchase Jared's Journey today! Click Here for more information!

The amazing work of both Steve and Kathy Stowe, in Jared's Memory definitely do not stop there.  Highlights from last year (2010) for the Stowe's include,  a presentation for the Child Protection Team of Hampton Virginia, the opportunity and success of educating some 4,000 American Soldiers with recognition from the base commander awarding Steve and Kathy with the "Coin of Excellence", and many more presentations, and speaking engagements.

There is another phenomenal highlight to Jared's Legacy and the amazing persistence, will, and dedication by the Stowe's. In July 2010,  HB 411, referred to as “Jared’s Law” was enacted.  Due to the efforts of Steve Stowe and Delegate Glenn Oder, there is now an educational web-site about Shaken Baby Syndrome, with literature available.  Governor Robert McDonnell  signed this bill in Richmond, VA on July 29^th, 2010.  The Stowe’s and their friends and family were in attendance.  
In April, 2011, Steve attended the 5th Annual Shaken Baby Syndrome Candlelight Vigil hosted by the Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Network in Sarasota, FL. Steve attended the evening vigil, along side friends he has met along the way through the journey of Shaken Baby Syndrome, whom have been affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome. Chris Keane, from Keane Law, also spoke at this event, where close to 125 families attended, all affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Through the loss of their grandson Jared, this December we hope you will take a moment to get to know Jared, and sign up for news to gather updates and information pertaining to their continued journey, as both Steve and Kathy in Loving Memory of Jared work to raise their voice for the Awareness and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

To Learn More about Jared's Journey and the Shaken Baby Syndrome of Virginia, Inc.: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In California | Ramona Boy, Shaken as a Baby, Dies in His Sleep | Shaken Baby Syndrome

A very sad story today, a 6 year old boy, whom was reportedly shaken at the fragile age of 2 months by his biological father, passed away on Tuesday due to complications the child reportedly received from the traumatic brain injury due to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The boy, reportedly identified as Sam, is one of four special needs children adopted by Chris Dahlke, as reported by Dahlke's daughter Barbara Smith.

In this report, the daughter, Barbara Smith spoke with reporters, and stated Sam was hooked to machines, and due to the injuries sustained when he was just 2 months old, the boy was reportedly blind, non-communicative, and had heart problems.

Also reported, due to the death of Sam, Barbara Smith also reportedly stated the biological father could face homicide charges. The sheriffs department has not released any information pertaining to the biological father of Sam, or information as to whether there would be possible homicide charges.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

To learn more about Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Signs and Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome, please click here!

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Illinois, Man Associated With Shaken Baby Case Freed | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Sadly, some 5 years ago, 22 month old Brynden Tyler reportedly died as a result of traumatic brain injury due to being shaken.  Peter Kerrigan, reportedly pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with Brynden Tyler's death.  It has recently been reported that earlier this week, Peter Kerrigan was released from prison.

Rebecca Gibson, mother to Brynden Tyler, has stated in the report that the past 5 years have been life changing and traumatic to say the least, and remains on edge as Peter Kerrigan was released from prison.

Reportedly, the 10 year sentence for Peter Kerrigan, allowed for time served and time granted, which reduced Kerrigan's sentence by one day for each day served. Sadly 5 years after Tyler's death, reportedly Kerrigan is free.

To read more on this story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Why, the Keane Law Firm? | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Most attorneys and law firms that you will find on the internet are interested in defending people accused in a criminal case of shaking a baby.

Not the Keane Law Firm.

We are here to represent the baby, not the criminal defendant.

Chris Keane and the Keane Law Firm help shaken babies and their families to recover money in civil court so that they can have the financial resources available to hire the attendant care help and rehabilitation services which they will need to live the remainder of their lives.

This does involve taking money from the person who shook the baby and those who could have prevented it in order to correct the injustice that was done to the shaken baby, and the Keane Law Firm is very familiar with the processes involved in civil Shaken Baby cases.

Civil lawsuits involving shaken baby syndrome will focus on a number of different issues than criminal cases. Civil lawsuits focus on issues of negligence, not crimes.  That means that it is never necessary in a civil negligence case to prove that someone "intended" to injure the baby,  only whether a person or employee failed to use reasonable care in handling a baby.

A person charged with criminal child abuse for allegedly shaking a baby may be successful in avoiding a criminal conviction for a number of reasons, but that doesn't mean that he or she should be held responsible, or liable, to your baby in a civil case because a civil jury may find that the person unintentionally orcarelessly failed to use reasonable care in handling your shaken baby.

Also, there will be no need to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" who shook the child. A term called "preponderance of the evidence" comes into play in civil cases. This legal term is defined as "more likely than not", meaning that the person sued in a civil lawsuit was the person who shook the child.

Here's an example: A prosecutor or district attorney may choose not to proceed with a prosecution because she feels that she simply cannot prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the person arrested for shaking the baby was the person who did it.  That may be due, in part, to an inability to prove a precise time at which the injury was inflicted. Maybe the treating physician didn't have the knowledge to be able to provide such an opinion, or maybe the prosecutor or district attorney's office was unable to hire an expert physician for financial reasons.

While this may be discouraging to you as a parent, guardian, or family friend of the shaken baby, don't worry because you can still do something to help the shaken baby.  You do not need a criminal prosecution in order to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the shaken baby.   Whether your local prosecutor or district attorney prosecutes a person successfully, or not, is not important to The Keane Law Firm.

We can represent a shaken baby in civil court even if a criminal defendant is found not guilty, or if a prosecutor does not go ahead with a trial.  

Also, unlike the prosecutor or district attorney, The Keane Law Firm is not limited to calling only the treating physician or coroner/medical examiner as a witness to prove the timing of the shaken baby injury. We can hire some of the top physicians in the country to prove the timing of the injury.

The Keane Law Firm is not constrained by the same financial budgets as a prosecutor or district attorney.  We retain the top experts in the country to work on a shaken baby syndrome case, and will do the same for your shaken baby.

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com