In Florida, Young Father in Jail, 17 week old child in the hospital - Shaken Baby Syndrome

In Florida, a tragic case has been reported where a young father, Edward Parker, 18, of North Daytona Florida was reportedly jailed after his 17 week old child was shaken and sustained injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome.  Reportedly, Edward Parker was planning a run, while the 18 year old mother of the child studied.  While Edward Parker was watching his child, he was reportedly preparing for a walk when the 17 week old baby began to cry.

The report also states the 17 week old child reportedly suffered from contusion to the eye, corner fracture on his left femur, subdural hematoma, and hemorrhage in the left side of the child's brain.

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

An Amazing Boy and Survivor of Shaken Baby Syndrome – Adam Carbajal – visits the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center and makes the case for Child Abuse Prevention!

It was a great honor to have Keane Law Firm client, Adam Carbajal, as a special guest at the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center’s annual Board of Directors retreat on October 28, 2011 in San Francisco.  Chris Keane is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, and has served on the board for the past 6 years.  Adam was joined by his grandmother, Maria Alvarez-Garcia, and grandfather, Alfredo Garcia.  Adam, Maria and Alfredo are amazing people and special friends to Chris Keane and everyone at the firm.

Chris asked Adam, Maria and Alfredo to come to the retreat for two reasons.  First, so Chris’ fellow board members could see firsthand the devastation which shaken baby syndrome (SBS) and abusive head trauma (AHT) causes to a baby and his family.  It is one thing to talk about it, and another thing to actually see it in person.  Oftentimes, people talk about child abuse in terms of statistics (e.g. such as the number of children abused and shaken each year) or the cost associated with child abuse (e.g. such as the cost of taking care of a child) and the cost to the criminal justice system (e.g. putting the perpetrator in jail).  It is really unforgettable to see an actual little boy who was abused face-to-face.  To see him struggle to sit up in his wheelchair.  To see him only use one side of his body, and to slither around on the floor instead of walk.  To see him unable to do the things we expect little boys to do – like play catch, or chase his friends.  It can break your heart – but it can also inspire you – which is the main reason Chris wanted Adam to meet his board members. 

Chris knows how important it is for Adam’s family – as it is for most survivors of SBS and AHT – to find meaning and purpose in their survival and struggle.  For most survivors and their families, they work tirelessly on child abuse prevention.  Maria and Alfredo are leaders in the SBS prevention community.  It is Chris’ belief, and the core reason why the Keane Law Firm takes on child abuse cases that most other lawyers wouldn’t handle, that the civil justice system can bring about change – not only for the child who was already abused -  but also for the institutions and people who are responsible for preventing child abuse and who fail in their responsibility to a child.   Lawsuits can – and do – compensate an abused child for his or her damage, while also simultaneously changing future behavior.  If the institution or person being sued refuses to accept responsibility for their role in failing to uphold their responsibility to prevent child abuse, the jury in a civil lawsuit will make them accept responsibility in that case.  And you can rest assured that the people being sued will think twice before they make the same bad choice with another child’s life at stake the next time they have the same responsibility.  It is critical to get mandated reporters (e.g teachers, child care providers, pediatricians, and many others) and institutions responsible for reporting and investigating abuse (e.g. police and child protective services) to report and intervene to protect children before they become catastrophically injured, or killed.

It is an honor not only to call Adam our client, but also to call Adam, Maria and Alfredo our friends.  Very good friends.  We cherish their friendship, and are in awe of their individual strength as well as the strength of their family.  They are a shining example of how a family with an SBS survivor can turn a tragedy into an inspiration for everyone.

Not only is Adam adorable, but Maria and Alfredo are great speakers and ambassadors for child abuse prevention.  If you ever want them to speak to your group, let us know and we’ll put you in touch with them.  They desperately want to prevent what happened to Adam from happening to any other baby.

If you have a SBS survivor like Adam in your family, and want to see if the Keane Law Firm can help your child, contact Chris today for a free consultation. 

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

 

United States Supreme Court affirms Shaken Baby Syndrome as valid diagnosis and basis for conviction in Cavazos v Smith

In a very important decision today for the shaken baby syndrome (SBS) community and lawyers who handle SBS cases, the United States Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a person convicted of causing the death of a baby by SBS.  The decision is important because six (6) members of the court approved of the decision to affirm the jury’s conviction (i.e. meaning not only the conservative 5 justice block of Alito, Roberts, Thomas, Scalia and Kennedy, but also Justice Kagan, a recent appointee of President Obama).  In affirming the conviction, the court held as follows:

“The jury was presented with competing views of how Etzel died.  It was made aware of the various experts’ qualifications and their familiarity with both the subject  of SBS and the physical condition of Etzel’s body.  It observed the attorneys for each party cross-examine the experts and elicit concessions form them.  The State’s experts, whom the jury was entitled to believe, opined that the physical evidence was consistent with, and best explained by, death from sudden tearing of the brainstem caused by shaking.  The Ninth Circuit’s assertion that these experts ‘reached [their] conclusion because there was no evidence in the brain itself of the cause of death’ is simply false.  There was  ‘evidence in the brain itself’  The autopsy revealed indications of recent trauma to Etzel’s brain, such as subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhaging, hemorrhaging around the optic nerves, and the presence of a blood clot between the brain’s hemispheres. The autopsy also revealed a bruise and abrasion on the lower back of Etzel’s head.  These affirmative indications of trauma formed the basis of the experts’ opinion that Etzel died from shaking so severe that his brainstem tore.

“Defense counsel made certain that the jury understood that the prosecution’s experts were unable to identify the precise point of tearing itself. But as Judge Bea noted in his dissent from the Ninth Circuit’s denial of rehearing en banc, the experts explained why the location of the tearwas undetectable: “Etzel’s death happened so quickly that the effects of the trauma did not have time to develop.” Smith v. Mitchell, 453 F. 3d 1203, 1207 (2006). According  to the prosecutions’ experts, there was simply no oppor­tunity for swelling to occur around the brainstem before Etzel died. In light of the evidence presented at trial, the Ninth Circuit plainly erred in concluding that the jury’s ver­dict was irrational, let alone that it was unreasonable for the California Court of Appeal to think otherwise. See §2254(d). Doubts about whether Smith is in fact guilty are understandable. But it is not the job of this Court, and was not that of the Ninth Circuit, to decide whether the State’s theory was correct. The jury decided that question,

and its decision is supported by the record.*” 

“*The dissent’s review of the evidence presented to the jury over seven days is precisely the sort of reweighing of facts that is precluded by Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U. S. 307, 324 (1979), and precisely the sort of second-guessing of a state court decision applying Jackson that is precluded by AEDPA, §2254(d). The dissent’s views on how “adamant­ly” experts would testify today as opposed to at the time of trial, post, at 6 (opinion of GINSBURG, J.), are of course pure speculation, as would be any views on how a jury would react to less adamant testimony.”

The decision also recounted some of the factual findings of the experts who performed the autopsy.

The prosecution presented the testimony of two (2) physicians involved with the autopsy of the deceased 7 week-old child, Etzel Glass, namely, Eugene Carpenter, MD (forensic pathologist) and Stepahnie Erlich, MD (neuropathologist).  Additionally, they presented David Chadwick, MD, a legendary SBS expert from San Diego.

Justices Breyer, Ginsburg and Sotomayor were the three (3) dissenting justices, and they cited numerous published articles which concern the pathophysiology, biomechanics and scientific basis of SBS – intending by referencing the literature to support the dissent’s position that the jury’s conviction should be overturned.   

You can read the entire decision at www.links.sfgate.com/ZLED

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

International Conference to Help Families and Professionals - November Organization Spotlight

One of the most important goals of Keane Law Firm is to protect our children, and raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome through prevention efforts.  In the process, Keane Law has been able to come into contact with a phenomenal Organization working each and everyday for the betterment of our children, and providing support to the families that are sadly affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

We are excited to present to you our November Organization Spotlight, The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.  The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome comes with a mission, a mission shown Internationally,  “To educate and train parents and professionals, and to conduct research that will prevent the shaking and abuse of infants in the United States”


Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in abusive head trauma cases. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken, and it is estimated 1200 to 1400 children are injured or killed as a result of shaking every year in the United States.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Farmington, UT

Recently we had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle Vazquez from The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.  Danielle is the Conference Coordinator for the Center, and has been doing so for approximately 4 1/2 years. Though Danielle is not personally affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, working in the field of prevention and awareness of SBS, Danielle says has been the most rewarding to see the groups of families affected come together, and work together in prevention of SBS.  As the Conference Coordinator, Danielle works restlessly to plan the Conference, organizing special presentations and workshops for a broad range of Professionals, as well as the abstract presentations presented by the families affected, and ensuring scholarships are offered and available to families who plan to attend but need the financial assistance to do so.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Staff & Volunteers

NCSBS Executive Director and Founder, Marilyn Barr

The NCSBS has recently announced the Twelfth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma in Cambridge/Boston Massachusetts September 29, 30, & October 1, 2012.  The conference program will focus on four areas of expertise; legal challenges in Abusive Head Trauma Cases, evidence-based and creative prevention programs and intiatives, the latest medical information and research, and support for families and rehabilitation for victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma. The program is set to be released in January of 2012, and if you are interested in submitting an abstract presentation to present please follow this link, and click on "Abstract Submission Form".

The Opening Reception hosted by The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

This Conference is the only International Conference of it's kind.  There is not any other Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome you can attend and obtain all of the information, services, resources, and opportunities like those available to you at the Twelfth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome. 

As the November Organization Spotlight for the Keane Law Firm, we are proud to recognize the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome for their mission and endless dedication to prevention, for all of the lives that have been saved, and for the support given to the families affected.  Your mission and dedication are the lights of promise and hope on the paths for us all, whether we are a family, a professional, or a concerned citizen. You are the voice, the voice of prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

For more information on the Twelfth Conference on SBS: Click Here

To learn more about The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome visit http://www.dontshake.org

If you have any questions concerning this conference, please contact Danielle Vazquez by email: dvazquez@dontshake.org or by phone: 801.447.9360 ext. 111

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

Baby Found Unresponsive at Daycare in Oklahoma - Shaken Baby Syndrome

Raven Koch, 1, of Davis Oklahoma, was reportedly found unresponsive on May 3, 2011 while in the care of the babysitter.  Raven was transferred to OU Medical Center to undergo surgery to treat an acute subdural hematoma, but sadly, the precious baby died May 4th, 2011.  


This is such a sad case, as all cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome are, knowing the horrific act is 100% preventable.  


Beautiful Raven is reportedly survived by her mother, Taryn Koch of the home, and her father, Derrick Bennett of Arkansas.  


A little girl whom loved to smile and dance, brought tons of smiles and joy to her dear family.


Ravens reported injuries include the subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhages and a soft tissue hemorrhage in her beautiful little eyes.

For More on this Story
Read more: http://newsok.com/death-of-oklahoma-baby-ruled-a-homicide/article/3615837#ixzz1c92QtXPs


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

{October Family Spotlight} Xaviers Awareness

Mr. and Mrs Rudy Delgado - Approx 4 years ago

On June 9, 2007, Melissa was preparing to become Mrs. Delgado, as she married her best friend and soul mate Rudy Delgado.  With a beautiful, elegant wedding joined by friends and family, 2 families soon became one.  Such a beautiful happy time in their lives they shared with all those they love so dearly.

Today, Rudy and Melissa have been married for almost 4 years, they have 3 sons, Braydon 13, Marcus 8, and Xavier, who would be turning 3, and Baby llyssa who is set to make her first debut December 4, 2011.

The Delgado Family - First Family Picture - Xavier, 6mo.

Since September, 2009 thousands have come to know Xavier Delgado as "X" a fighter and Hero, whose life ended far too soon. From the sweetest of moments, Xavier's laugh, his kisses, and the love he continues to give, not a single moment ever goes un-noticed. His smell, his touch, his "coos", his babbles, every gesture any 6 month old could make, are forever instilled in the hearts of the Delgado Family.

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Rudy came into contact with Christopher Keane in Atlanta, Georgia in 2010 at the National Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome, exchanging phone numbers, they have remained in contact since.

The Mission of Xaviers Awareness is to make sure everyone knows Xaviers story, and to raise awareness in his honor.  In doing so, they host a few events each year that gather hundreds of supporters to honor a life lost far too soon.

They host the Annual Xavier Delgado Walk for Awareness/X Games and from the events, funds are raised for the foundation to help them further their goals to prevent SBS. One of those goals has been reached as a commercial was made in recognition of Xavier in his Memory.

The Delgado Family also hosts an Annual B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Balloon) ANGELversary balloon release on September 29th every year to honor Xavier.

One of the goals the Delgado Family has for Xaviers Awareness Foundation is to have a law passed Nationwide to watch a video on Shaken Baby Syndrome and to sign a promise contract when they have a child to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Through the many many good things the Delgado Family plans to do in honor of Xavier to carry on his Legacy, there are many moments of depression, many moments of anger and confusion, and many moments asking why, why did this have to happen to Xavier? Rudy expressed the great power the love his family continues to give to him and the out pouring support for Xavier and their family pushes them through the motions each and everyday. Pieces of each of their hearts vanished when Xavier passed away.

Xavier wearing Daddy's Father's Day Present

If there was one thing Rudy truly wishes he could do in Xaviers Honor, Rudy would like to speak with the President, to express the necessity for the laws for those whom have injured our children to be reviewed and much more strict to protect our children.  Rudy states, "Shaken Baby Syndrome needs to be brought to the fore front, and not to be hidden any longer! Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable, and until we open up everyone's eyes, on the harsh reality of Shaken Baby Syndrome, nothing is going to change."

The two greatest occurrences in the past 2 years that have truly helped Rudy and Melissa go through the motions of SBS have been the National Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Shaken Baby Syndrome Candlelight Vigil.  At both events, they were able to spend time and meet with families that have been through comparable situations concerning Shaken Baby Syndrome, who knew to a degree what they were going through, and what they will have to go through in the future.

If you would like to learn more about Xavier Delgado and the Xaviers Awareness Foundation, please visit:

http://www.xaviersawareness.com

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

Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Ride and Poker Run

Recently, Chris received a Certificate in the mail for sponsoring the 2nd Annual Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Ride and Poker Run hosted by A.R.M. Chapter #69 and we had the amazing chance to interview Kim recently on the success of this event! Keane Law is a proud sponsor of this event, and would like to introduce you to an amazing woman, Kim Morelock!

Kim has been married to Denny Morelock for 25 years, and have 3 beautiful children, and a beautiful Grandson and love of their life, Dominic.  Dominic is only 4 1/2 years old, but he knows he was shaken by a "bad man". Dominic has had seizures on a daily basis, but those are now controlled with medication that he continues to take twice a day.  In the beginning, he would have nightmares and wake up at all times of the night screaming and crying.  Most of the time it would take several hours to get him calmed down.  Dominic does not like the lullaby Rock-a-by-Baby, he says "the monster that shaked me sang the song and I don't like it". Dominic has now began school, and is having hand eye coordination problems, related to the brain injury.

Kim originally came in contact with the Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Network, before the name was in place, in 2007.  Kim found Kaleb Schwade's profile on MySpace that gained National attention, from the moment Kaleb was injured.  From there, Kim would go on to research and find Madilyne Wentz, daughter of Rachel Sumner.  Kim began talking frequently with Rachel, reading her blogs, and understanding that through this horrific act of Shaken Baby Syndrome, she was not alone. Kim went on to find numerous other grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, and so on, dealing with similar circumstances with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Denny Morelock originally came into contact with Chris Keane while searching the internet concerning Shaken Baby Syndrome, in hopes of finding a sponsor for his race car he previously owned, to get it back on the track and Race for Awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome.  He began talking to Chris, and ever since, Keane Law Firm has been a silent Sponsor on the race car.  Kim learned of Chris through Denny, however, was able to make arrangements for Chris to attend and speak to hundreds of families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome at the 5th Annual Shaken Baby Syndrome Candlelight Vigil in Sarasota Florida April, 2011.

Kim is now serving as President on the Board for the Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Network (http://www.shakenbabysupport.com) and has been working for 2 years now with the A.R.M. Chapter #69 Group in Ohio to host the Annual Awareness Ride and Poker Run.

On September 17, 2011, Kim and Denny Morelock organized the 2nd Annual Awareness Ride and Poker run, hosted by .A.R.M. Chapter 69! .A.R.M. stands for Association of Recovering Motorcyclists.  All of the members of this Chapter 69 are recovering from the use and/or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol.  There are a very loving and generous group of people, that greet you with a hug no matter if it is the first time they have met you.

Kim stated, "My greatest gift is being able to look into the eyes of my grandson and other survivors of SBS children and know I am helping to make a difference.  People are more "aware" of SBS because of what we do.  I have always been the neighborhood Mama, but since becoming part of the SBS Support Network, my neighborhood has grown.  Everyone knows me as Mama Kim and it warms my heart when I hear a complete stranger call me that!"

The Awareness Ride and Poker Run was twice the size as the first year, and will continue on an Annual basis!  Kim stated, if she could tell anyone any one thing about SBS, she would tell them.. "Never EVER Shake A Baby!! It Shatters Lives!"

To learn more about the Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Network: http://www.shakenbabysupport.com

To watch the news story on this event: http://youtu.be/V_B-nCQ4pgI

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

Honoring Xavier Delgado

Thursday September 29, 2011 marked the 2nd Angelversary for our Hero, Xavier Delgado whom became Victim to Shaken Baby Syndrome.  The Delgado Family hosted the 2nd Annual B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Balloon) Balloon Release in Xavier's Memory. Thousands gathered together from across the globe in Support of the Delgado's from 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. to release a balloon no matter where they were located.

Chris Keane took time to do the same.  Chris has had the chance to meet the Delgado's, and learn of Xavier through them, and also they beautiful Legacy carried on by Melissa and Rudy.

On Thursday September 29, Chris took a blue balloon to Crissy Field in San Francisco, California to release in honor of Xavier.  "X" may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten.

In Loving Memory
Xavier "X" Delgado
http://xaviersawareness.com/

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

Effects of Abusive Head Trauma on a Shaken Baby's Eyes & Vision

There are many different negative effects of abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) on a baby or child, including effects on the baby's vision.  Specifically, a shaken baby may suffer retinal hemorrhages (bleeding into the retina) and retinal detachment (the peeling away of the retina from the layer of support tissue beneath it).  If not treated quickly, these effects on the eyes can lead to vision loss and even blindness, in more serious cases.  When a baby is shaken, his or her brain is pitched back and forth, causing trauma inside the cranium.  The parts of the eye most often damaged by this back-and-forth motion are the retina (the light-sensitive tissue of the eye on which a visual image is created), the vitreous humor (the gel between the retina and the lens), and sometimes the macula (the part of the eye containing structures that control central vision and clarity of vision).  Another key abnormality of the eye to recognize when diagnosing shaken baby syndrome is traumatic retinoschisis, a condition in which the neurosensory layers of the retina split.  Traumatic retinoschisis is unique to shaken baby syndrome; it has never been recognized in any other condition suffered by infants and young children.

For more information on the physical effects of abusive head trauma or shaken baby syndrome in general, feel free to contact child injury and shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane.  Accustomed to working with the best medical experts in the field during abusive head trauma cases, he will answer all your questions for free, provide you with helpful resources, and help you find the medical care your child needs.  Shaken baby syndrome is a serious matter, and Chris Keane is devoted to making life better for its victims and their families.

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

Relevant Link:

DocStoc:  Visual Effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Two-Year-Old Girl Suffers Brain Damage & Partial Blindness From 2007 Shaken Baby Incident

A 29-year-old man whose daughter suffers brain damage and partial blindness from a 2007 shaken baby syndrome incident was recently sentenced to eight years in prison, according to the Vindy website.  The site reports that Jeremy Hendrex was living with the girl's mother at the time of the incident, when the baby was only 10-weeks-old.  His daughter is now 2 years of age, but suffers permanent damage.

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.

Long-Term Disabilities From Abusive Head Trauma

In order to inform those who would like to know more about shaken baby syndrome, child injury lawyer Christopher Keane of San Francisco, California, explains in a video how abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) can cause long term disabilities.  Many parents of shaken baby survivors do not know that their child's symptoms may change over the course of several years from the incident, especially as the child reaches an age in which higher functioning skills are expected.  Although learning disabilities and physical limitations are common in victims of shaken baby syndrome, rehabilitative treatment can help children overcome such limitations to various degrees.

To watch Chris Keane's video on long-term disabilities from shaken baby syndrome, click here.

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

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.

Relevant Link:

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

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.

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.

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.