Search site
Our People
Contact our offices
Make an enquiry
How can we help?
Stephensons has reviewed a number of cases involving Shaken Baby Syndrome (and many other cases of alleged inflicted injuries on babies and young children), we have strong relationships with specialist barristers and medical experts who also have significant experience in this field. This experience is likely to be invaluable to individuals accused or convicted of inflicting serious or fatal injuries on a child. For advice and assistance contact us on 0203 816 1098.
This controversial diagnosis consists of a triad of medical symptoms including subdural haematoma, retinal haemorrhage and brain swelling. As the name suggests the diagnosis often leads to a presumption of child abuse (intentional shaking) which can result in the criminal prosecution of the person looking after the child at the time of its collapse. Diagnosis of SBS is more likely when there is no history of accidental trauma or known existing medical conditions.
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a complex and controversial subject, which attracts significant media attention given that it is often said to be a parent or family member who has inflicted the diagnosed injuries on usually a very young baby.
However, there are many medical experts and legal practitioners who strongly believe that SBS is over diagnosed due to a willingness by clinicians to rely too heavily on the triad as a diagnostic tool. In July 2005 the Court of Appeal heard four appeals of SBS convictions; one manslaughter conviction was quashed, a grievous bodily harm conviction was quashed, a murder conviction was substituted with manslaughter, and a manslaughter conviction was upheld.
Stephensons represented three of the four appellants in the landmark ruling where the Court found that the classic triad is not 100% diagnostic of SBS and that clinical history should also be considered. The Court commented:
"Whilst a strong pointer to NAHI (non-accidental head injury) on its own we do not think it is possible to find that it must automatically and necessarily lead to a diagnosis of NAHI. All the circumstances, including the clinical picture, must be taken into account".
Correna is a highly motivated and extremely hard working lawyer. She cares deeply to ensure that those she represents obtain the best possible outcome.
Correna Platt is an outstanding performer who is extremely thorough, committed to her clients and brings a very great level of preparation and commitment to the cases she works.
Legal 500
Correna specialises in serious, complex and high profile criminal cases with extensive skill and experience in helping those facing criminal prosecutions in the Crown Court. View profile
We're widely accredited for our work - regulatory & criminal justice
It is our business to deliver legal services that work for our clients, you can trust our specialists to take care of things on your behalf. Over the years our regulatory and criminal justice team has been recognised by industry awards and accredited for their excellence.
Based on count 551
We're Great
It is our business to deliver legal services that work for our clients, and you can trust our specialists to take care of things on your behalf.
Immediate support in a difficult situation resulted in a positive outcome. All concerned including the appointment of an appropriate Barrister should be congratulated on a very professional job well done.
View from a criminal defence & appeals client
Is restorative justice the best way of dealing with criminal offences?
This week retired, Welsh, international rugby player, Gareth Thomas, went public with his decision to agree that the police should use restorative justice to deal with teenagers who were responsible for what has been described as a homophobic attack...
Twitter block 1 tweet
SolicitorsLLP
Stephensons to close its Lord Street office in Leigh as it expands its Wigan HQ
The national law firm, Stephensons, is to close its office on Lord Street, Leigh at the end of June. The firm, which has offices in Wigan, St Helens, Bolton, Manchester and London will close its Leigh office on Friday 28 June, with staff...
We're always here for you
As an award-winning top 150 law firm, with over 450 staff based in offices across the country, you're never far from the advice you need.
Find your nearest Stephensons office and arrange a meeting
As an award-winning top 150 law firm, with over 450 staff based in offices across the country, you're never far from the advice you need.
