Morelock Racing Team races to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome - join the Keane Law Firm in supporting him.

Denny Morelock, Sr., a race care driver and, more importantly, a grandpa - is combining his love for racing and his love for his grandson, Dominic.   Dominic is  survivor of shaken baby syndrome who was shaken at three (3) months of age.   It is the goal of Denny, and his family, to raise awarness of the risk of shaken baby syndrome - and how to prevent it.  He will accomplish his goal by taking his Morelock SBS Racing car to as many car shows, fairs and festivals as his schedule and financial support permits.  Additionally, the Morelock crew hopes to get a petition signed that requires each new parent to watch a  video about the dangers of shaking a baby before they leave the hospital with their newborn.   This is a  great cause, and Denny is a very determined and sincere grandpa.  The Keane Law Firm supports Denny and his cause, and if you can help his team out with a sponsorship of any size, contact him at Kmorelock@woh.rr.com.  Go Denny Go!

As an advocate for injured and abused children, The Keane Law Firm supports the prevention of shaken baby syndrome.  If you need more information for a baby who has been shaken and who may be suffering from abusive head trauma, feel free to contact 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.

Treatment for Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

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

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

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

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

Relevant Links/ Resources:

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

PDR Health |  How is Shaken Baby Syndrome Treated?

WebMD |  Shaken Baby Syndrome:  Treatment Overview

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

NINDS | Is There Any Treatment?

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

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

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

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

Relevant Link:

Prevent Child Abuse N.D. offers advice

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

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

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

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

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

4. Sing or play soothing music for your child.

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

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

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

Guilty Plea in Fatal Shaken Baby Case | Child Wrongful Death Attorney

In a recent shaken baby syndrome case in Pasadena, John Wirick plead guilty to the manslaughter of his daughter, Lilyanna, only one month old.  According to reports, Wirick explained through tears how he was trying to calm his daughter down from a crying spell.  For more information on this fatal shaken baby syndrome incident and other cases of abusive head trauma, click here.

If you have lost a child due to abusive head trauma, the Keane Law Firm expresses its deepest sympathies to you and your family.  As an experienced shaken baby syndrome and child wrongful death lawyer, Chris Keane will provide you with resources and assistance needed after a devastating loss, and he will answer any questions you have for free at no obligation to you.  Although nothing can compensate for the tragic loss of a child, certain measures can be taken to help families of shaken babies as they try to recover from the indescribable pain of losing a loved one.  Chris Keane has the resources and experience to provide that help and will be glad to talk with you for free if you would like to know more about how the Keane Law Firm can assist you.

To contact Chris Keane, fill out our online contact form or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Relevant Link:

Pasadena Father Pleads Guilty in Infant's Death

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

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

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

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

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