We are proud to announce that the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center is the 7x7 Magazine charity of the year for 2010. This is a great honor for the Center, and great recognition for the importance of child abuse prevention work everywhere. Christopher Keane of the Keane Law Firm, is the President of the Board of Directors of the Center, and was interviewed by 7x7 Magazine about the important work of child abuse prevention:
http://www.7x7.com/travel-active/sf-child-abuse-prevention-center-voted-your-favorite-charity-sf
Please call the Keane Law Firm if you have any questions related to child abuse, child abuse lawsuits, child abuse prevention, shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma or if you need help taking care of a child who has been abused an catastrophically injured.
Showing posts with label head. Show all posts
Showing posts with label head. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Domestic violence linked to child abuse|Child abuse lawyer|Shaken Baby Syndrome Survivor Lawyer
Domestic violence (DV), which is also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or Intimate Partner Aggression or Violence (IPAV), creates an increased risk of corporal punishment of children, which is known to create an increased risk of physical child abuse. According to a recently published study, "Use of Spanking for 3-year-old Children and Associated Intimate Partner Aggression or Violence" by Catherine Taylor, Ph.D., Shawna Lee, Ph.D., Neil Guterman, Ph.D. and Janet Rice, Ph.D., published in Pediatrics, Vol. 126, Number 3, a significant finding in their study was that adult VICTIMS of domestic violence (DV)/ Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)/Intimate Partner Aggression and Violence (IPAV) have an increased probability of using corporal punishment with their children. This is an important finding for those investigating child abuse cases when trying to determine the likely perpetrator of child abuse. It has already been established in published literature that there is an increased likelihood that a person who uses corporal punishment on a child would also abuse a child. Therefore, in homes where domestic violence is present, we now have published literature demonstrating a causal link between domestic violence and child abuse, via the connecting link of corporal punishment. Domestic leads to increased risk of corporal punishment, which leads to increased risk of child abuse.
The authors explain that there is statistically significant evidence that a victim of domestic violence is likely to inflict abuse on a child. Why? They offer two (2) explanations: Coercive Family Process (known as Patterson's theory) and Social Cognitive learning (Bandura's theory). The coercive family process is explained by the authors as an escalation of violence which occurs due to positive reinforcement after aggressive events. The social cognitive explanation is based on the normalization of observed behavior. Meaning, more specifically, that adult victims of domestic violence learn that violence is "normal" in her environment, and is part of what the authors describe as an "intrafamilial cycle of aggression" The authors demonstrate and highlight that an adult victim of domestic violence has increased odds of using corpoporal punishment.
While it would be easy to see, from a lay person's perspective, how the aggressor in an abusive adult relationship might be suspected to be the most likely person to inflict physical abuse on a child, this study confirms that is NOT necessarily the case.
In my opinion, if you are investigating a case where a child has been shaken or suffered abusive head trauma, it is critically important to determine whether there is domestic violence in the home or homes where the child has been left alone with adults. While most child abuse occurs when children are alone with the perpetrators, and children are too young to testify about what occurred to them - domestic violence is more likely to be witnessed and, by definition, there will be an adult victim who can testify that it occurred. Along with the medical evidence as to the likely time an injury was inflicted, and the importance of history related to the presentation of the abused child at the time medical care was begun, the presence of domestic violence is one more important piece of evidence which can and should be used to determine the likelihood of someone being a perpetrator of child abuse.
If you know a child who has been abused, and has suffered SBS or AHT, and you would like assistance on determining whether there is anything that can be done to help you help the child, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm at no cost by toll-free phone (888-592-KIDS (5437), or through the internet. We will tell you if we can assist you in helping your child - either in a child abuse lawsuit, or shaken baby syndrome lawsuit, or head trauma lawsuit. This may help you obtain money which will help survivors of child abuse, survivors of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma with home health care, a van or a home in which they can move a wheelchair easily.
The authors explain that there is statistically significant evidence that a victim of domestic violence is likely to inflict abuse on a child. Why? They offer two (2) explanations: Coercive Family Process (known as Patterson's theory) and Social Cognitive learning (Bandura's theory). The coercive family process is explained by the authors as an escalation of violence which occurs due to positive reinforcement after aggressive events. The social cognitive explanation is based on the normalization of observed behavior. Meaning, more specifically, that adult victims of domestic violence learn that violence is "normal" in her environment, and is part of what the authors describe as an "intrafamilial cycle of aggression" The authors demonstrate and highlight that an adult victim of domestic violence has increased odds of using corpoporal punishment.
While it would be easy to see, from a lay person's perspective, how the aggressor in an abusive adult relationship might be suspected to be the most likely person to inflict physical abuse on a child, this study confirms that is NOT necessarily the case.
In my opinion, if you are investigating a case where a child has been shaken or suffered abusive head trauma, it is critically important to determine whether there is domestic violence in the home or homes where the child has been left alone with adults. While most child abuse occurs when children are alone with the perpetrators, and children are too young to testify about what occurred to them - domestic violence is more likely to be witnessed and, by definition, there will be an adult victim who can testify that it occurred. Along with the medical evidence as to the likely time an injury was inflicted, and the importance of history related to the presentation of the abused child at the time medical care was begun, the presence of domestic violence is one more important piece of evidence which can and should be used to determine the likelihood of someone being a perpetrator of child abuse.
If you know a child who has been abused, and has suffered SBS or AHT, and you would like assistance on determining whether there is anything that can be done to help you help the child, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm at no cost by toll-free phone (888-592-KIDS (5437), or through the internet. We will tell you if we can assist you in helping your child - either in a child abuse lawsuit, or shaken baby syndrome lawsuit, or head trauma lawsuit. This may help you obtain money which will help survivors of child abuse, survivors of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma with home health care, a van or a home in which they can move a wheelchair easily.
Monday, June 28, 2010
How social workers can help survivors of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma|California child abuse lawyer|Shaken baby syndrome lawyer
Medical social workers are almost always involved in cases of child abuse resulting in severe brain damage - be it from shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma. As soon as an emergency department provider suspects that the head trauma was intentionally inflicted, they will almost always simultaneously order both the requisite neurological consults and a social work consult. The primary underlying role of a medical social worker is to make the adjustment from inpatient to outpatient as smooth as possible for the child and his or her future caregivers (such as a non-abusive parent, or grandparents or other relatives who will now be caring for the child once the child is removed from the abusive and/or neglectful caregiver). Many of the survivors of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma will have a lifetime of medical needs and need help around the home - and most will never support themselves or live independently, so the social worker should help the child's new caregivers get as much help as possible. One of the best ways a social worker can do this is to refer the caregivers to a lawyer who represents survivors of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma. A shaken baby syndrome lawyer can help get the child money to take care of home health care, residential care, transportation, therapy, orthopedic appliances and any necessary doctor or nursing assistance. Also, a shaken baby syndrome attorney can get money for the caregivers to get respite -or take a break - so they can rest up and be available to help them continue to help the child. Medi-Cal will not cover all of these expenses, so social workers should refer their patients to someone who can help them.
For more information on how the Keane Law Firm can help social workers with referrals of survivors 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
For more information on how the Keane Law Firm can help social workers with referrals of survivors 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
Monday, December 28, 2009
Infant on Life Support for Head Injuries After Shaken by Father
After being taken to a medical center by his grandmother for head injuries and difficulty breathing, a two-month-old boy was airlifted to a children's medical center in Salt Lake City and placed on life support, according to The Spectrum online. The injuries sustained by the infant were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, and police arrested the infant's father on child abuse charges after conducting an initial investigation. The man was reportedly watching other children as well as the infant when the incident occurred and resulted in traumatic head injuries for the boy. Medical personnel reported to visitors that the prognosis for the child was not good, and it was not clear whether the child could survive on his own without life support.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Mother of Shaken Baby Questioned, Stepfather Believed to Have Been Arrested
The mother of a baby boy who was allegedly shaken by a stepfather or another caregiver is being investigated by the Department of Children and Families, according to the News-Press website. Although the mother was not the one arrested in connection with the serious head injury suffered by the 8-month-old boy, she is being questioned about the incident of shaken baby syndrome.
As a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, Chris Keane devotes his practice to representing injured and abused children, and he hopes for the full and fast recovery of the baby in this incident. 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.
As a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, Chris Keane devotes his practice to representing injured and abused children, and he hopes for the full and fast recovery of the baby in this incident. 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.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Father Charged in Connection With Son's Death From Abusive Head Trauma
After the death of his two-month-old son, the father of the baby boy has been charged with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury and fatality in connection with the son's severe head injuries, according to the Dastardly Dads website. The site reports that police received a call from the boy's home on August 10th informing them that the baby was not breathing. Upon investigation and an autopsy report, authorities have stated that the death most likely resulted from abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome). The father, Brandon Vaughn Yancey, was arrested.
Wrongful death from shaken baby syndrome is something no child should have to suffer, and no caregiver or family member 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.
Relevant Link:
Arvada man charged in the death of his infant son
Wrongful death from shaken baby syndrome is something no child should have to suffer, and no caregiver or family member 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.
Relevant Link:
Arvada man charged in the death of his infant son
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
After Shaken Baby Trial, Billy Bob Thornton's Daughter Indicted | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer
Billy Bob Thornton's oldest daughter was indicted on multiple charges Wednesday, June 24, for shaking a baby who was under her care in central Florida in October 2008. Among the charges for 29-year-old Amanda Brumfield are first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated child abuse, despite Brumfield's story that the child's death was an accident.
Brumfield reportedly told authorities that the 1-year-old girl, whom she was babysitting at the time, fell from a playpen and hit her head on hard object on October 3rd, but Brumfield did not call 911 for help until more than two hours after the baby was unresponsive. The autopsy report revealed injuries that were inconsistent with the babysitter's story: upon finding a brain injury and fractured skull, the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Police say that they believe the baby's head did strike a hard object, but they do not believe that a short distance fall from a playpen could cause such severe trauma to the head.
The Oscar-winner's daughter was arrested earlier this month and booked at the Orange County Jail. When contacted after her arrest, Thornton's publicist said that he and his daughter have been estranged for a long time.
Although this particular incident of shaken baby syndrome resulted in a criminal case against the offender, the Keane Law Firm can file civil cases against anyone who failed to care adequately for children. In a civil case, it is not required to prove that someone intentionally shook a baby; it is only necessary to prove that someone neglected the child or failed to provide proper care for the baby who was injured as a result.
If you have questions for a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, contact the Keane Law Firm for free answers regarding your unique situation. You can contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).
Relevant Links:
People Magazine Story
Hollyscoop Story
Brumfield reportedly told authorities that the 1-year-old girl, whom she was babysitting at the time, fell from a playpen and hit her head on hard object on October 3rd, but Brumfield did not call 911 for help until more than two hours after the baby was unresponsive. The autopsy report revealed injuries that were inconsistent with the babysitter's story: upon finding a brain injury and fractured skull, the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Police say that they believe the baby's head did strike a hard object, but they do not believe that a short distance fall from a playpen could cause such severe trauma to the head.
The Oscar-winner's daughter was arrested earlier this month and booked at the Orange County Jail. When contacted after her arrest, Thornton's publicist said that he and his daughter have been estranged for a long time.
Although this particular incident of shaken baby syndrome resulted in a criminal case against the offender, the Keane Law Firm can file civil cases against anyone who failed to care adequately for children. In a civil case, it is not required to prove that someone intentionally shook a baby; it is only necessary to prove that someone neglected the child or failed to provide proper care for the baby who was injured as a result.
If you have questions for a shaken baby syndrome and child injury lawyer, contact the Keane Law Firm for free answers regarding your unique situation. You can contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).
Relevant Links:
People Magazine Story
Hollyscoop Story
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Symptoms of Abusive Head Trauma | California Child Injury Lawyer
Although certain factors may increase the likelihood that a child may become a victim of abusive head trauma (also called shaken baby syndrome), shaken baby syndrome can occur in any place, at any time, and under the care of any person. As a result, it is important to know the common signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma and seek medical care immediately if you believe that your child may have suffered from any kind of serious injury. While the list here is not comprehensive, it includes some of the common signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma:
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:
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.
- 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:
- The symptoms of shaken baby syndrome may appear together; only one symptom may be present; or no symptoms may be apparent at first.
- 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.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day Care Center Owner Charged With Battery That Led to Death of 6-Month-Old | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer
A former day care owner from Indiana has been charged with battery that resulted in child fatality after a doctor determined that the 6-month-old, who had been under her care, died from injuries to the head. The type of traumatic brain injury suffered by the child typically occurs when a child is shaken, as in the case of abusive head trauma (or "shaken baby syndrome"). We at the Keane Law Firm express our deepest condolences to the family of the young child, and we aim to provide injured children with resources to receive the proper care and treatment for immediate healing and a longer, healthier life. To read more, click the following link to access the news article on this Indiana day care abuse story. Keane Law Firm/ Attorney Chris Keane: 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).
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