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.

Surgeons Place Drains in Baby's Head After Instance of Shaken Baby Syndrome

A two-month old baby whose father admitted to shaking him made it through surgery yesterday, November 19, according to NBC's WOWT website.  Although the infant's grandmother reported that the surgery went well, baby Jayden Roland will remain in I.C.U. at Children's Hospital for a least a couple more days as he recovers from the trauma.  His 17-year-old father, Marcus Bass, was arrested last week and admitted to police that he shook young Jayden because he could not get the baby to stop crying.  In the incident, baby Jayden suffered traumatic injuries, creating the need for serious surgery in which doctors placed two drains inside his head to decrease pressure and swelling.  To help with high medical costs, the baby's family set up a fund in his name.

Surgery is often required after injuries from shaken baby syndrome, among other necessary treatments and invasive procedures.  Abusive head trauma (the newly suggested term for shaken baby syndrome) is extremely serious.  If you have or know a child who has suffered from abusive head trauma, do not hesitate to contact Chris Keane for important resources, answers to your questions, and help finding the best medical experts. 1-888-592-KIDS.

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Update: Shaken Baby Jayden's Surgery Successful

5-Week-Old Boy Hospitalized for Shaken Baby Syndrome, 19-Year-Old Father Arrested

A 19-year-old father from Missouri was arrested after his infant was found with bleeding of the brain and other injuries caused by shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma), according to the NWA online website.  The 5-week-old boy was hospitalized Saturday at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and was reported to be in critical condition after his mother observed that he was experiencing difficulty breathing and took him to Mercy Medical Center.

According to the article, father Zachary Campbell told police that he was stressed from lack of sleep caused by the infant's crying.  He reportedly told investigators that he shook his son because the baby was crying.

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.

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Report: Baby Hospitalized After Apparent Shaking

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).

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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.

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Prevent Child Abuse N.D. offers advice

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.