Shaken Baby Syndrome Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Perhaps one of the saddest stories in the news in recent times is yet another incidence of shaken baby syndrome. This is a form of child abuse in which a baby or small child is violently shaken, resulting in brain damage and lifelong disabilities, if the baby or small child even survives. An average of 25% of shaken baby syndrome cases result in death. Child abuse attorneys and wrongful death attorneys are here to fight for their rights.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
If a parent or caregiver has not witnessed the incidence of child abuse, he or she may not know that the baby is in danger, unless there are obvious signs of other injuries (e.g., bruises, cuts, visible head injury, or concussion), which may have occurred in conjunction with the shaking incident.

Sometimes additional abuse is evident if, for instance, the parent or caregiver has thrown the baby into a crib or struck the baby on the head with a solid object or against a wall. Contact a child abuse lawyer if you suspect abuse.

Be alert for these signs and symptoms that a baby or small child is in distress

• Undue irritability
• Alterations in eating patterns
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Altered respirations
• Increased head size
• Bulging fontanels (soft spot) on baby’s head

Medical professionals will also examine a baby or child for these additional symptoms and injuries:

• Retinal hemorrhages
• Soft tissue injuries
• Subdural hematomas (bleeding in the brain)
• Fractures
• Oxygen deprivation
• Swelling of the brain

Why Does Shaken Baby Syndrome Happen?
While it seems inconceivable that anyone could cause this type of traumatic brain injury in a little one who is so defenseless, the event unfortunately happens far too often.

What contributes to these occurrences of shaken baby syndrome?

• Parent or caregiver becomes frustrated with a non-stop crying baby/child
• Parent or caregiver has impaired judgment due to alcohol or drug abuse
• Parent or caregiver has unrealistic expectations of the adult/child relationship (e.g., “Why won’t the baby quit crying and meet my needs for peace and quiet?”)
• Parent or caregiver is under stress from other factors
• Parent or caregiver has a history of abusive behavior
• Parent or caregiver has a tendency to react impulsively, aggressively, or angrily

Do You Suspect an Incident of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
If you have reason to believe that a baby or young child in your care has been abused, seek immediate medical attention and contact a child abuse attorney.

If your child’s brain damage or death was the result of Shaken Baby Syndrome, complete our short questionnaire and get connected to an experienced child abuse lawyer wrongful death attorney in your area who can explain your legal rights and options.