Practice Areas
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Wrongful Death
- Burns
- Car Accident
- Child Abuse
- Child Injuries
- School Injuries
- Daycare injuries
- Dog Bites
- Bike Accident
- Foster Care Abuse
Keane Blog 
Shaken Baby Syndrome
- In Palm Harbor, FL, a toddler died from Shaken Baby Syndrome. Stephanie Spurgeon was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse.
- In Detroit, MI, Greg and Toy Lewis grieve the death of their daughter 11-month-old Kalijah Arlboro. Kalijah died of injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome and severe blunt trauma to the head. Tonya Goodlow remains in the Wayne County Jail.
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputies encourage anyone that has concerns about the care their child may have received from Stephanie Spurgeon’s licensed day care service to contact them at the phone numbers below.
- In Palm Harbor, Stephanie Spurgeon, 37 years-old, was arrested and jailed for allegedly causing an infant to have Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- Victor Gonzalez, a 4 week-old infant, died last week from injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Hanford Police are investigating his death.
- Rebecca L. Harris of O’Fallon, Mo., may receive a seven-year prison sentence and fine after a jury convicted her of felony assault charges for the severe injury of Kaleb Wakefield.
- Scott Juceam is saddened as prosecutors drop charges in criminal court against Veronica Martinez Salcedo, accused of Shaken Baby Syndrome and the death of his daughter, Hannah Rose Juceam.
- In Placer County, the jury deliberates the possible conviction of Veronica Martinez Saledo for the death of Hannah Rose Juceam
- Proposed legislation may provide new parents with an education about Shaken Baby Syndrome.
- Sasha Poole and Greg Milgo, of Albany County, are charged with murder and criminal negligent homicide for the shaken baby death of their infant son.
Traumatic Brain Injury
- In North Carolina, Jose Morin Caucedo is charged with child abuse. He remains in Forsyth County Jail.
- Dylan Rosevear, of Livonia died from head injuries sustained in a pool at Great Wolf Lodge, a Traverse City resort.
- In Colorado, Melvin Tipton, 35, allegedly caused 21-month-old Charles Hickerson, III, to sustain a severe head injury. The toddler died shortly thereafter.
- Andrew J. Bedner, Jr., 28 year-old Springfield man being held on bail for charges related to severe injuries found on a seven week-old infant.
- In San Bernadino, news stories report that allegedly Robert Demeco Davis is responsible for the death of his girlfriend’s toddler
Wrongful Death
- Elisa Skinner-Bell, 16 years-old, was killed while performing community service with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Youth Mentoring Program.
- In Carter County, Raymond, a toddler in foster care dies from a tragic accident. Dale Owen and his family, Heath Claburn and Raymond’s family are grieving.
- In Grady County, a two-year old foster child drowned in an up-ground pool.
- In Illinois, the Will County coroner, Patrick O’Neil ruled that Richard Fonesca-Hernandez died of blunt-force trauma.
- In Decatur, AL a child drowns in pool
- A two year-old boy named Marcellus drowned in pool on Knollwood Court in Clinton Township.
- Just outside Turlock, man is shot to death by police as he is beating toddler to death at the roadside.
- Kevin Hernandez is pronounced dead at Sharp Grossmont Hospital after drowning in a back yard pool.
- Toddler tragically dies from an accident at a San Jose daycare. Oscar Ramirez and Sgt. Don Morrissey both state the investigation into the death of this child remains open at this time.
- A tragic accident takes the life of young Daniel Pan in San Francisco. The Keane Law Firm joins the community to offer condolences to his family during their time of grief.
Burns
- Playground equipment and surfaces made from recycled rubber black top get hot enough to cause burn injuries in children.
- News stories from Alameda County report Christian Perez may be charged with the death of his girlfriend’s 18-month old toddler. Patricia Perez and Jose Gamez face charges of child endangerment.
- Ann Hodge is grieving the loss of her five year-old son to a house fire, days after birthing her infant son. The Keane Law Firm assists families and child victims of fire.
- Five year-old Kristopher Love died in his family’s apartment during a fire. The mother, Anela Hobbs sustained a burn injury trying to save her son. The Keane Law Firm assists families that have lost children to fire.
Car Accident
- Pamela Palmer grieves for her two daughters, Kevinnesha and Raven. The girls were killed with Geoff, Christy and Rebekah Hart on Sunday, June 22, 2008 during a tragic car accident allegedly caused by David Calhoun Jones in Plano.
- In Plano, Texas five Hart family members were killed in a tragic car accident on their way home from Custer Road United Methodist Church.
- In Detroit, an improperly restrained five month-old infant passenger died when two vehicles collided at an intersection.
- Alexander Moran Cabrera, tragically killed by a back-over accident in a parking lot. Family and friends are grieving and devastated. Community reaches out to family.
Child Abuse
- In Antioch, CA, Jasmine Davis, 15 year-old, has died from child abuse. Shemeeka Davis, 37 year-old, is jailed for suspicion of murder and corporal punishment.
- Guillermo Gonzalez, 2 year old, died from massive head injuries. Josue Daniel Palma Herrera is charged with first degree murder.
- Medical expert testifies that Jamal Markes Shepard, 16 month-old died from symptoms related to Shaken Baby Syndrome. The toddler’s father, Joshua Earl Anderson is charged with first degree murder.
- Medical expert testifies that Jamal Markes Shepard, 16 month-old died from symptoms related to Shaken Baby Syndrome. The toddler’s father, Joshua Earl Anderson is charged with first degree murder.
- In New Hampshire, Governor John Lynch signed a new law, SB311, extending the statute of limitation to age 30 for reporting childhood sexual abuse crimes.
- Four-year-old Fabian Silva died from severe head injuries as a result of child abuse. Twenty-five year-old Alejandro Miguel Romero faces murder charges. Sgt. Fabian Pacheco and Attorney Sue Eazer are handling the case.
- Mario Juan De Dios, 26 is held in jail without bail. Two year-old Samuel Martinez-Castaneda died from child abuse including blunt force trauma to his abdomen.
- Michael D. Below, of West Bend, WI faces charges of homicide for the death of his two month-old daughter.
- In Maine, Robert Harford, 24 year-old, charged with manslaughter in the death of his infant daughter, Ava Harford.
- Nick Taylor, 15 month-old infant, died from severe head trauma. Manner of death: Homicide. Jay John Barboni, the mother’s boyfriend, was arrested and charged with murder.
Child Injuries
- In Madera County Children’s Hospital, a 21-month old boy is recovering from a near drowning accident.
- MySpace sexual assault case dismissal brings to light an unresolved social dilemma that arises from adolescent internet social networking.
- Carnival ride, at California’s Calaveras County Fair, malfunctioned and injured 24 riders when part of it collapsed suddenly on Friday evening.
- Anthony Cataldo expresses fear and concern over the severity of the bullying his young son has endured while attending Piedmont Avenue Elementary School. Zachary Cataldo sustained a severe head injury.
- Four year-old Carlos Alejandro Flores drowned last summer at Great America amusement park. The Keane Law Firm represents families of children lost to drowning accidents.
- The Los Angeles hospital was fined for the heparin administration error to Dennis Quaid’s twin infants last November. The Keane Law Firm will represent children seriously injured or killed by hospital errors. Every client is a star to us.
- Two year-old boy in critical condition from near-drowning in northwest Bakersfield, California. The Keane Law Firm offers child water-safety tips
- Consumer safety officials recall cribs that place infants at risk for falling over railings. The crib railings may cause serious injury or death.
- San Francisco Child Injury Lawyer gives link to information on dangerous toys
- Santa Barbara Health Officials Warn of Toy Danger - including lead paint danger
Dog Bites
Foster Care Abuse
- Jazzmin Davis a victim of severe child abuse that led to her death. Shemeeka Davis is charged with child abuse, murder, and torture.
- San Francisco foster care abuse lawyer gives link on how to help California foster care children over the holidays
Child drowned
General
- In Tennessee, a five year-old boy died from injuries he sustained while swinging on an unsecured back yard swing.
- The Keane Law Firm proudly supports the San Francisco Shaken Baby Prevention Project 2007
- California Grandmother, Pat Dazis, proposes expanding list of mandatory child abuse reporters in wake of death of grandson, Chris Cejas
- Shaken baby simulator being used in Davis, California
- California enacts law acknowledging duty to protect children in foster care
- New California Foster Care Death law
- Child death in California
- Keane named among "500 Leading Plaintiff's Lawyers in America"
- Shaken baby syndrome
Case Results
Wrongful Death
$5,700,000.00 - Wrongful Death
$1,800,000.00 - Wrongful Death
$1,000,000.00 - Wrongful Death
Child Abuse
Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement
Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement
Sexual Assault - Confidential Settlement
Child Injuries
Foster Care Abuse
Wrongful Death - Confidential Settlement
Other
$1,000,000.00 - Wrongful Death
$1,000,000.00 - Wrong Site Surgery
$1,000,000.00 - Accidental death
Child Safety News
Martinez woman, Kimberly Hoglund, reportedly suspected of causing car accident in Pinole, leaving teenage boy in a coma, link provided by California lawyer attorney for teenagers in car accidents... More
Animal attack at San Francisco Zoo kills Carlos Sousa, Jr, age 17, link provided by San Francisco animal attack lawyer... More
Child abuse lawyer provides link to child death review committee report... More
Dakota Harryman, 7 months, killed; grandmother's boyfriend, Glenn Peralta, charged in death... More
Wrongful death of San Jose baby from skull fracture - father, Armando Garcia, reportedly held in jail... More
Wrongful death of Robert Ratto, 19, allegedly killed by gunshot from friend, Daryl Yadao, 18... More
California child injury lawyer provides link to child seat safety class in Riverside County and San Bernadino County California... More
Erica Bernal, Mother of Jose Ariellano, shaken baby victim, waits for jury verdict in her murder trial in Norwalk Superior Court... More
California investigates allegations of child abuse involving Britney Spears and Kevin Federline custody case... More
Joshua Yeager, alleged driver in car crash in Cedar Ridge related to death of Laura Freeman, age 17, denied release... More
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Keeping Kids Safe - Toy Safety this Holiday Season
With the holidays approaching, how can you ensure that the toys you buy for the little one in your life are safe? Many parents are concerned about all of the latest toy recalls, and Mattel in particular has come under fire for recalls involving millions of toys with high levels of lead or unsafe magnets. As many of the products involved in the recent recalls were manufactured in China, some parents are concerned about the safety of all toys made in China – and parents are even trying to avoid purchasing these toys at all.Any parent who has tried to avoid toys made in China will tell you that it isn’t easy. Over the years, toy manufacturers have moved manufacturing operations to China in order to save money, and today about 80% of all toys in the United States are made in China. Parents determined avoid buying toys that are made in China face a difficult – and more expensive – road. For parents on a budget, it comes down to a choice between buying more less-expensive toys or fewer high-quality toys from reputable sources. Some parents are choosing to avoid plastic toys altogether, only to find that seemingly safer wooden toys still originate in China.
But is it even necessary to avoid all toys that have been made in China? The Toy Institute of America (TIA), an trade association for toy producers and importers, says no. According to the TIA, recalls account for less than 1% of the 3 billion toys sold in the US each year, and with all the additional testing going on right now parents should feel safe about purchasing toys from reputable manufacturers and retailers. The TIA also urges parents to avoid staying away from all made in China toys, stating, “Companies make toys, not countries, and companies are responsible for adhering to rigorous safety standards and inspecting their products prior to delivery.”
Given this statement, it seems that the real problem is with the manufacturers themselves, and their failure to provide the necessary testing and oversight for foreign-produced toys. Whether in the case of Mattel’s numerous recalls for lead paint or inappropriate magnets in their toys or RC2 Corporation’s recall of the Thomas the Tank Engine toys – it is important to remember that these recalls do account for a very small percentage of all toys sold in the United States. It is possible to buy safe, fun, and affordable toys for your children – even if they have been made outside of the United States.
You may be wondering what you can you do right now to keep your kids safe this holiday season. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the following safe shopping tips:
- Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
- Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
- Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
- Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
Once you have bought your toys, be sure to keep on top of future recalls. Here are some ways to make sure they toys you buy are safe:
- First and foremost, shop at a retailer you trust. Find a “brick and mortar” toy store with a reputable staff who keep up to date on recalls and stock a variety of toys. Or, find an on-line retailer committed to product safety – one that monitors the safety of the toys it sells and notifies customers if a toy they have purchased is part of a recall.
- Make sure you check recalls regularly – the easiest way to do this is to join the Recall Notification List at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Whenever possible sign up for notification emails from the toy manufacturer or at the store where the toy was purchased.
- Fill out warranty cards if provided – companies are required to notify you in case of a recall.
- If one of your toys is recalled – follow the manufacturer’s instructions for returning or disposing of the toys. Don’t keep toys that have been part of a recall, and don’t donate or give them away – it isn’t fair to a child who may unknowingly received the toy.
- If your child is in daycare or spends time at a friend or relative’s house, check their toys as well. Don’t take it for granted that the toys your child plays with when they are away from your home are safe.
In addition, keep these general toy safety tips in mind:
- Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended ages for each toy. For example, toys intended for children 3 and up may contain choking hazards and are not suitable for younger children.
- Regularly examine toys for wear and tear – a child’s much-loved toy may become unsafe after many months or years of play.
- Regularly clean toys – follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dispose of toys that are worn – it isn’t worth the risk to keep around a toy that has seen better days.
- Teach children how to properly use and care for toys – this will cut down on damage to the toy, in addition to ensuring that the toy is used safely as intended.
- Supervise! Not only will parental supervision help keep kids safe, but you’ll also be bonding with your little one.
Finally, consider shopping early this year. All of the recalls and additional safety inspections are taking their toll on manufacturing lead times, and many popular toys are expected to sell out weeks before the holidays arrive. Look at this as a good thing – all of the increased product testing may be slowing down the flow toy inventory, but our children will be safer this holiday season!
The Keane Law Firm cares about your children and is dedicated to keeping kids safe. If you know a child who has been injured by a faulty or unsafe toy, please contact us immediately so we can evaluate your case at absolutely no cost.
The Keane Law Firm
530 Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, California 94133
Phone: (415) 398-2777
Toll free: (888) 592-KIDS (5437)
Fax: (415) 520-2282
E-mail: info@keanelaw.com
530 Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, California 94133
Phone: (415) 398-2777
Toll free: (888) 592-KIDS (5437)
Fax: (415) 520-2282
E-mail: info@keanelaw.com
Keane Law Firm
530 Jackson Street
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 398-2777
Fax: (415) 520-2282
The Keane Law Firm
530 Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, California 94133
Phone: (415) 398-2777
Fax: (415) 520-2282
info@keanelaw.com
FAQs
Wrongful Death
- What's the point in bringing a wrongful death lawsuit when a child dies - you can't bring back the child?
- What does California law permit the family of child who was killed to recover?
- What can one do in case of a child’s wrongful death?
- What is wrongful death of an unborn child?
Child Abuse
What factors place children at risk for being victims of child abuse?
Are children with disabilities that reside in institutions at risk for being victims of child abuse?
Are children with disabilities that reside at home at greater risk to be victims of abuse?
Are children with disabilities more inclined to endure abusive behavior from their caregivers or parents?
How do I identify caregiver exploitation?
Child Injuries
- What if my child was injured at a children’s facility or the playground?
- How is a claim or lawsuit actually settled on behalf of a child? And, is it possible that part of a child’s settlement be used for the benefit of the child before he or she turns 18?
- Do I need to be the mother or father of an injured child in order to bring a claim on their behalf?
- Is there a deadline for my child to file a claim or lawsuit in California?
- When and why is lead paint in my apartment or rental home considered hazardous for my children?
Foster Care Abuse
- What are foster homes?
- How do I know if a foster child has been abused?
- Can a foster child sue for injuries suffered while in foster care in California?
- Do I need to be related to an abused or injured foster child in order to bring a claim on their behalf?
General
- Why will you potentially harm your injured child's lawsuit if you delay in hiring a lawyer?
- Should I talk to an insurance company, or sign insurance company documents, if an insurance company calls me about my child who was injured in a car accident?
- What can a child's lawyer do to protect their settlement or judgment in case an adult predeceases the child? Or, if the child is brain-injured?