Specific age groups are often more susceptible to traumatic brain injuries than others, with infants in one of the highest risk categories. A single hard shake in a frustrating moment of anger may permanently change a child’s life. If your infant is exhibiting symptoms of shaken baby syndrome, a personal injury attorney can be your best shot at holding the negligent party responsible.
Serious Dangers of Shaking an Infant
Shaken baby syndrome is more common than many parents realize, with the Virginia Department of Social Services citing more than 1,000 infants injured or killed due to head trauma per year. These injuries typically occur when a parent or other caregiver reaches a boiling point of frustration if an infant won’t stop crying.
Sadly, those few seconds of bad judgment can easily cause coup-contrecoup injuries when the child’s brain strikes the sides of their skull. Because an infant’s brain is still developing, there is an extreme risk of death or long-term health repercussions.
Symptoms and effects of shaken baby syndrome may include:
- Blindness
- Cerebral palsy
- Constant irritability
- Deafness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fractures in skull, neck, and ribs
- Lack of interest in eating
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Speech development issues
- Vomiting
What to Do If You Suspect Shaken Baby Syndrome
If your infant exhibits any of these symptoms and you have reason to believe someone may have shaken them, take the child to the hospital immediately and then contact the police. Your next call should then be to a skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in traumatic brain injury cases.
Aside from the emotional anguish inflicted on your family, shaken baby syndrome can lead to devastating medical bills if your child requires ongoing treatments and therapies due to permanent brain damage. Even if the at-fault party isn’t currently being criminally prosecuted, an attorney can begin an independent investigation and bring a civil case against the caregiver who shook the child.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney
We want the opportunity to help you hold the negligent caregiver responsible for the harm your child has suffered. Call or message us right away to set up a consultation and discuss your case.
|
Related Links: |