An update out a few weeks ago shed some light on the disturbingly shocking news story of an 18-year-old East Boston woman who allegedly threw her newborn baby out of a window from the second floor of her home.
Eva Flores had allegedly been raped in El Salvador months prior to the incident and had been threatened with harm if she told anyone what had happened. Her attorney attempted to put perspective on the mental state of Flores when she reportedly threw the newborn out of the window.
Prosecutors in the case have stated that neighbors of the Flores residence discovered the crying newborn boy face down in a Saratoga Street alleyway on September 20. The baby was unclothed and still had some of the umbilical cord attached. He is currently in the custody and care of Department of Children and Families, specifically in medical foster care due to traumatic brain injuries he sustained from the fall that may be permanent.
Flores recently pleaded not guilty on charges of assault and battery on a child causing serious injury, as well as wanton and reckless endangerment of a child. She is being held on $10,000 cash bail. Federal authorities also have an interest in the Flores case as she is in the U.S. illegally.
The case has been continued until December 22.
Causes of Brain Injury in Infants and Children
Assaults on children up to age 14 account for nearly three percent of all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). While three percent may not appear to be significant number, it truly is for children who sustain these types of serious injuries. In 2008, just over 1,700 children ranging from newborn to age 17 died as a result of child abuse and neglect, with 80 percent of recorded deaths found among children under the age of 4.
Another cause of brain injury is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) which occurs when an infant is shaken or critically assaulted in some way and with such force that the vessels in the brain burst, potentially causing the brain to bleed and swell. SBS may result in irreparable damage to the infant’s brain cells and tissue, causing serious and traumatic brain injuries or even death.
When You Need to Talk to a Boston Child Brain Injury Attorney
When your child has sustained a life-altering severe brain injury, you shouldn’t have to pay for ongoing medical care and treatment. A serious head or brain injury may require lifelong care and financial support. Accepting a settlement offer without the guidance of a skilled Boston child injury attorney can leave you and your child ill prepared for the road ahead. Your child deserves a legal team who is experienced in handling child brain injury cases in Massachusetts and one who can ensure that he or she will receive fair compensation for his or her brain injury.
So, before you sign any insurance claim forms, give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, or agree to a settlement offer, schedule your FREE case evaluation today by calling 800-930-8145. You can also learn more about how to best handle your child’s injury by requesting a FREE copy of our Massachusetts child injury book.
