Unlicensed Daycare Provider Indicted After Infant Girl Suffers Serious Head Injuries From Shaken Baby Syndrome

An Illinois woman who kept children in an unlicensed daycare facility at her home has been indicted in the shaken baby syndrome case of a child who was under her care, according to the Quad-City Times.  The state Attorney General's Office announced today that 38-year-old Karyn McCallister was indicted for shaking the four-month-old baby, which resulted in significant head injuries for the infant girl.  The child was reportedly in McCallister's care multiple times before the February 24th incident this year in which the daycare provider allegedly shook the girl due to the infant's crying.  As a result of the shaking, the baby suffered serious head trauma and multiple subdural hematomas (a traumatic brain injury in which blood gathers in part of the brain).  In this case of abusive head trauma, McCallister has been charged with one count of reckless conduct (which could send her to prison for 1 to 3 years) and one count of aggravated battery of a child (which could result in 6 to 30 years in prison).

As a father of two and an attorney for daycare injuries and shaken baby syndrome, Chris Keane expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this baby girl, and he hopes for her full and fast recovery.  For more information on shaken baby syndrome, daycare injuries, 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).

Parents Charged After Shaken Baby Death of Infant Daughter, Evidence of Abuse in Autopsy Report

Following the death of their infant daughter, Oklahoma parents Willis Joey Lambert Jr. and Latrice Sharron Russell have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with shaking and fatally injuring the child, according to the News OK website.  The siblings of the shaken baby reported to investigators that Lambert was frustrated with his own difficultly learning how to hold the infant girl, and he confessed that he fatally shook the baby because he could not get her dressed after bath time.  According to an autopsy report, the infant died of a brain injury and had previously suffered five broken ribs.  Since Lambert was reportedly a known child abuser, Russell has been charged with failing to protect her daughter from him.

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.

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.

Three Years After Shaken Baby Death of Twin Sister, California Boy Allegedly Shaken by Teacher

A California couple has filed a claim for an alleged shaking of their 4-year-old son, the twin brother of a little girl who died after an alleged incident of shaken baby syndrome by a nanny three years ago, according to ABC's News10 website.  According to the article, Scott and Lorena Juceam claim that a teacher shook and abused their son Benjamin during a special education program last May.  Benjamin, who has been diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, was verbally abused, shaken, and thrown into a chair on multiple occasions in front of two teacher assistants, claims Scott, who also says that he and his wife found out about the abuse only after Child Protective Services had been called by another educator.  Making it especially difficult for the Juceams, the Placer County District Attorney's Office decided against pressing charges.

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 young Benjamin in this incident.  If you have questions for a legal advocate for injured children or have already pursued a claim that failed to go to trial, 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 options and unique situation.  1-888-592-KIDS.

New Study Finds That Many People Guilty of Child Abuse Get "Off the Hook" in Court | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A new study has found that many people charged with child abuse for shaking babies and causing serious head injuries to children are "let off the hook" in court, according to MedIndia online.  The article reports that Dr. Amanda Stephens examined the cases of 68 children who received treatment for shaken baby syndrome in the child protection unit at Sydney's Children's Hospital at Westmead.  Upon examination of these cases, which occurred between 1997 and 2005, Dr. Stephens concluded that perpetrators are often "let off" due to the difficulty of identifying them.  In her own words, "if you don't know who did it" and cannot "make that decision," it can be extremely difficult to determine "whether that child should be returned to the family" or removed from the family.

Shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) cases can be extremely complicated, requiring the expertise of an experienced child abuse and shaken baby syndrome lawyer.  There are unique focuses of child injury and abuse attorney Chris Keane that affect his success in shaken baby syndrome cases:  first of all, he focuses his practice on representing children and only children in cases such as this (enabling him to work with the best medical experts in the field).  Second, he represents injured children in civil cases of abuse or shaken baby syndrome, meaning that it is not necessary to prove that someone intentionally injured or shook a baby, but simply that they failed to care properly for the child.

If you have questions regarding a shaken baby syndrome incident, feel free to contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS, and he will consult with you for free regarding your specific situation and concerns.

Relevant Link:

Study Finds Low Prosecution Rates for Shaken Baby Cases

Former R.N. Who Worked in Postnatal Units Found Guilty in Shaken Baby Case

A former registered nurse was recently sentenced to three years probation in connection with her adopted son's shaken baby syndrome injuries, according to the Muscatine Journal.  Melanie Addington reportedly plead guilty in May to shaking her child in September of 2007 when he was only 2 months old, and at her sentencing hearing this month, emotions kept her from taking the stand.  Speaking for Melanie, her father stated that she had spent much of her time as an R.N. in postnatal units before her dream of being a mother became reality.  He added that she suffers from depression and other disorders and that she had been cutting herself and had attempted suicide since the tragic incident.  As a result, the judge sentenced her to mental health treatment in addition to the three years probation and a $750 fine.

Although attorney Dana Christiansen acknowledged that the child's condition has improved, he asserted that the boy has not, by any means, experienced a "complete recovery," and he may face "significant physical challenges" throughout his childhood.

All children are at-risk of shaken baby syndrome, including those who have been adopted or whose parents work in health care environments.  If you believe that your child or a child you know may be suffering from the condition, contact Chris Keane for free resources, information, and answers to questions regarding your unique situation.  You may choose to contact the Keane Law Firm online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

Uncle Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse After Shaking Infant Nephew | Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer

A man from Longmont, Colorado, could face six to ten years in prison for negligent child abuse in connection with shaking his infant nephew in 2008, according to the Colorado Daily website.  Although the 18-month-old shaken baby syndrome victim is reportedly doing well now, the baby was only 8 weeks old when he sustained multiple injuries and hematomas on the brain when his uncle, 36-year-old Troy Pierce, allegedly shook him while babysitting.   After the infant's parents expressed concern that their child was having tremors and problems with his eyes, the baby suffered from seizures at the hospital, and Pierce was arrested in March 2008.  Friday, July 24, the uncle pled guilty to the felony child abuse charge for seriously injuring the boy.

As an advocate for injured and abused children, shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane devotes his practice to representing children and only children.  If you believe that your child has been injured as a result of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), feel free to contact Chris Keane with your most pressing questions.  The Keane Law Firm will freely provide you with the information and resources you need to ensure that your child receives the best possible medical care and rehabilitation.  For free advice regarding your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

NY Man Charged After CT Scan Reveals Infant's Injuries Consistent With Shaken Baby Syndrome

A 26-year-old New York man was recently charged by police with child endangerment and reckless assault for allegedly shaking a 10-month-old baby on the Fourth of July, according to the Buffalo News website.  Clarence, NY, resident Jordan Mayne was reportedly at his girlfriend's home when he heard the infant crying and went to the baby's room to check on him.  After realizing that the baby was not acting normal when he was fed a few hours later, the infant's mother took him to his grandmother, who called 911.  Upon administering a CT scan to the baby at Women & Children's Hospital, a doctor reported that the scan revealed injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma).  The baby was said to be improving at the time of the report.

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.

Father Takes Plea Deal in Shaken Baby Case That Led to Daughter's Death | Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A Salt Lake City father took a plea deal Friday, July 10, after facing accusations of shaking his baby to the point of fatal injuries, according to the ABC 4 News website.  Everado Mendoza, 22, will serve up to 15 years in prison for shaking his then two-month-old girl in November 2007, resulting in her death.  Although Mendoza did not admit that he was guilty of the accusation, he admitted that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of shaking his child.  Following his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico.

Child abuse and shaken baby syndrome attorney Chris Keane commits his practice to representing children and only children in injury and abuse cases.  When those cases result in fatality, Keane represents the proper party in a wrongful death case with compassion and professionalism.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma), feel free to contact Chris Keane of the Keane Law Firm for free resources and helpful information regarding how to find the medical care your child needs and other concerns unique to you.  If you have lost a child due to shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm expresses its deepest sympathies to you, and we will be glad to answer any questions you have for free regarding your situation.

Click here to contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Civil Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

The majority of shaken baby syndrome cases appearing in the news are criminal cases, but it is important to note that some instances of shaken baby syndrome result in civil cases.  At the Keane Law Firm, Chris Keane can file a shaken baby syndrome case in civil court, meaning that the lawsuit will focus on instances of negligence rather than crimes.  In other words, it is not necessary to prove that a caregiver "intended" to injure the baby but, rather, that he or she failed to care adequately for the child.  Even if a person charged with shaking a baby avoids criminal conviction, that person can still be held liable for a child's injuries in a civil case of abusive head trauma.  If the jury finds that the person in question did not use reasonable care with a child, the person may be held responsible for the baby's resulting injuries.

If the criminal defendant is found "not guilty" in a case of shaken baby syndrome or if the case does not go to trial, the Keane Law Firm can represent the baby in civil court.  If you believe that your baby has been injured as a result of shaken baby syndrome, contact our firm with your most important questions, and child injury attorney Chris Keane will answer them for free.  To acquire the resources you need to determine whether you should pursue a civil case, contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

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

"Conscious Fathering" Class Teaches New Dads Parenting Basics, Educates Them on Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

According to the King 5 news website, experts are linking the rise in instances of child abuse this year to the nation's economic state.  A class for new dads in Washington state, however, aims to lower the child abuse statistics and keep children and babies safe by educating fathers on parenting.  The class, Conscious Fathering, teaches the basics of caring for a baby such as feeding, changing diapers, and bathing, but it also focuses on teaching fathers how to take care of themselves.  Dads learn how to recognize the signs of stress and calm themselves down rather than attempting to calm their crying babies by shaking them.  Among the common signs of stress mentioned in the class are a clenched jaw, clammy skin, talking loudly or rapidly, and feeling overheated.

According to the creator of the class, Bernie Dorsey, anyone who cares and loves for children and spends any amount of time around a young child will become frustrated, and preparing fathers for the feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated gives them more confidence and takes away some of the fears of not doing things correctly.  Dorsey says that 80% of men enter fatherhood without having any significant experience with infants, so it is important to inform fathers that it's okay to put down a crying baby in order to take care of one's own overwhelming feelings.  During the two-hour class, dads are also asked to share shaken baby prevention tips with others who will be caring for young children.

For more information on shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact abusive head trauma and child injury attorney Chris Keane, who focuses his practice on representing injured or abused children.  If you believe that your baby or a baby you know may have suffered from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm will send you helpful resources, free information, and provide free answers to your most important questions.

Click here to contact Chris Keane in an online form.

To contact Chris Keane by phone, call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

California Man Faces Child Abuse Charges of Shaking His 8-Month-Old Daughter | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

A man from La Habra, California pleaded not guilty on Monday, June 15, to shaking his 8-month-old baby, but he still faces an preliminary hearing on August 3rd regarding his charges of child abuse and endangerment, according to the Whittier Daily News website.  The alleged incident occurred May 16 when, according to the spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's Office, 37-year-old Joseph Wise shook the child forward, backward, and upside-down before throwing her on the bed.  The same date, Los Angeles County firemen and La Habra police received a call reporting that the baby was not breathing, and when they arrived at Wise's residence, they found the young girl experiencing difficulty breathing and rushed her to a local medical center.  Although the baby was released from the hospital over a week ago, she reportedly suffered severe bodily injury and medical problems that could have turned fatal without proper care.

After seeing the serious effects of child injuries, child abuse, and shaken baby syndrome first-hand, the Keane Law Firm is committed to representing children and only children in abuse and injury cases, and we hope for the fast and full recovery of the little girl in this incident.  If you believe that your child may have been abused or may be suffering from abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome), feel free to contact child injury attorney Chris Keane with your most important questions.  As an advocate for survivors of shaken baby syndrome, he will compassionately and professionally answer all of your questions for free.

Contact Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link: 

La Habra Man Denies Abusing Baby Daughter; Officials Say Child Shaken