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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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).
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).
Hawaii House & Senate Briefed on Shaken Baby & Child Abuse Prevention | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney
Shaken baby syndrome education and prevention programs have reached Hawaii, according to the Hawaii House Blog website. According to the site, an informative briefing on elder and child abuse prevention was held today by Senate and House Committees on Human Services. Government agencies and community organizations were invited to the session to brief lawmakers on the subject, and among the attendees were representatives from the Community Care Foster Homes Association, the Honolulu Police Department, the Adult Residential Care Homes Association, and the Hawaii Coalition of Caregivers Association.
Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) expert Dr. Philip Hyden educated attendees on the causes of head injuries characteristic of shaken baby syndrome, such as excessive force or shaking. A minor accident such as a fall from a couch, for example, would not cause the bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain or damage to the retinas that occurs when a child's brain moves back and forth against the skull. Dr. Hyden also informed listeners of the frequency of abusive head trauma cases resulting from a caregiver's frustration with a baby's crying.
For more information about the symptoms of abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome prevention, or other questions you may have, contact California child injury attorney Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS. As an advocate for injured and abused children, Keane devotes his practice to representing only children, and he will answer your questions for free if you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome.
Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) expert Dr. Philip Hyden educated attendees on the causes of head injuries characteristic of shaken baby syndrome, such as excessive force or shaking. A minor accident such as a fall from a couch, for example, would not cause the bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain or damage to the retinas that occurs when a child's brain moves back and forth against the skull. Dr. Hyden also informed listeners of the frequency of abusive head trauma cases resulting from a caregiver's frustration with a baby's crying.
For more information about the symptoms of abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome prevention, or other questions you may have, contact California child injury attorney Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS. As an advocate for injured and abused children, Keane devotes his practice to representing only children, and he will answer your questions for free if you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome.
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.
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.
Mother's Boyfriend Charged in Wrongful Death of Shaken Baby | CA Child Wrongful Death Lawyer
After the February death of a 21-month-old girl in Michigan, the 20-year-old boyfriend of the baby's mother faces charges of first-degree child abuse and felony murder after allegedly shaking the child, according to the Freep.com website. According to police, Carlos Raymore was watching the girl while her mother was at work when he began to call his girlfriend about "problems with the child." The toddler girl was then taken to the hospital and found to be suffering from head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome. She died one day later.
At the Keane Law Firm, Chris Keane has helped clients as they go through the indescribably difficult process of coping after losing a child, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young girl in this incident as they mourn her wrongful death. As an advocate for injured children and an experienced child wrongful death lawyer, Keane works to recover the compensation families need following tragic incidents such as this. If you have lost a child or believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm with your most important questions. Chris Keane will compassionately and professionally consult with you for free regarding your unique situation.
Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.
Relevant Link:
Story on Freep website
At the Keane Law Firm, Chris Keane has helped clients as they go through the indescribably difficult process of coping after losing a child, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young girl in this incident as they mourn her wrongful death. As an advocate for injured children and an experienced child wrongful death lawyer, Keane works to recover the compensation families need following tragic incidents such as this. If you have lost a child or believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm with your most important questions. Chris Keane will compassionately and professionally consult with you for free regarding your unique situation.
Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.
Relevant Link:
Story on Freep website
Seminar Teaches IL Residents How to Educate the Public on Shaken Baby Syndrome Dangers | Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer
Volunteers and professionals in East Peoria, IL, had the opportunity to attend a free seminar last Friday on how to educate the public about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome, according to the Pjstar.com website. As part of the state's Shaken Baby Syndrome Public Awareness Campaign, the workshop was conducted by Mary Salisbury of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois (PCAI) and included sample materials on shaken baby syndrome prevention for attendees to use for their own community presentations.
Founded in 1990, PCAI uses parent support and education programs, public awareness efforts, and professional assistance in an attempt to reduce cases of child abuse and neglect throughout the state.
Prevention and education programs are rising up across the nation in response to the numerous cases of shaken baby syndrome and child neglect or abuse. To read more about shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) prevention programs and new studies to determine their effectiveness, click here.
As an advocate for children who have been suffered from abusive head trauma or other child injuries, California lawyer Chris Keane devotes his entire practice to representing injured children and supports many local and national organizations devoted to child abuse prevention.
To contact Chris Keane regarding your child or a child you know, fill out our online contact form or call the Keane Law Firm at 1-888-522-KIDS.
Founded in 1990, PCAI uses parent support and education programs, public awareness efforts, and professional assistance in an attempt to reduce cases of child abuse and neglect throughout the state.
Prevention and education programs are rising up across the nation in response to the numerous cases of shaken baby syndrome and child neglect or abuse. To read more about shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma) prevention programs and new studies to determine their effectiveness, click here.
As an advocate for children who have been suffered from abusive head trauma or other child injuries, California lawyer Chris Keane devotes his entire practice to representing injured children and supports many local and national organizations devoted to child abuse prevention.
To contact Chris Keane regarding your child or a child you know, fill out our online contact form or call the Keane Law Firm at 1-888-522-KIDS.
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
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