Affecting children younger than two, shaken baby syndrome is a serious medical condition that can result in brain injury or death. Also known as abusive head trauma, the cause of this condition is generally assumed to be a parent or other caretaker aggressively shaking a child out of anger or frustration. Legally, this might be considered aggravated assault. If you are facing these charges, The Law Office of Douglas K. Dennis can help.
Contact our firm online or at (931) 528-3684 now for a consultation with our Putnam County shaken baby defense attorney.
A Condition with a Violent Origin
Estimates from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome state there can be as many as 1,400 medical cases of shaken baby syndrome annually. Because the condition implies a violent action was taken against a child, it is possible that a parent or caretaker can be legally accused of causing injury or death as a result of aggravated assault or first degree murder/ felony murder.
What are some of the immediate signs of shaken baby syndrome?
- Loss or changed level of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Coma
- Death
What might doctors look for to diagnose shaken baby syndrome?
- Bruising above the torso
- Swelling on the neck or skull
- External bleeding from cuts or gashes
- Internal hemorrhaging, particularly in retinas
- Tense fontanel (a normally soft area of an infant’s head)
What to Do If You’re Accused
The state of Tennessee recognizes shaken baby syndrome as a condition resulting from the violent actions of a parent or caregiver.
Such actions can be considered aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment under Haley’s Law, and be classified as Class A felonies carrying sentences of 15-60 years of imprisonment and up to $50,000 in fines.
A criminal charge implying guilt in a shaken baby syndrome case could unnecessarily compound an already emotionally traumatic time for parents or family members of a young child. The Law Office of Douglas K. Dennis is prepared with experience to treat you and your case with respect and compassion. Meet with our Putnam County shaken baby syndrome defense attorney today.
If you’ve been accused, call us immediately for a free consultation of your case: (931) 528-3684.
