Understanding Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Guide for Parents

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) — also known as Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) — is a serious medical diagnosis that can have devastating legal consequences for parents. While protecting children from harm is vital, SBS allegations are often highly complex, and in some cases, innocent parents or carers are wrongly accused.

This guide helps families understand the condition, why accusations happen, and how specialist legal support from Rachel Carter at parentsaccused.co.uk can make all the difference.

What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

SBS is diagnosed when a baby presents with a combination of three medical findings:

1. Subdural haemorrhage (bleeding on the brain)
2. Retinal haemorrhage (bleeding behind the eyes)
3. Cerebral oedema (brain swelling)

These findings are sometimes seen as indicators of violent shaking, particularly where there is no history of trauma or accident provided. However, many medical professionals now recognise that several natural causes can produce similar symptoms, including clotting disorders, genetic conditions, undiagnosed illnesses, birth trauma and some lower level accidental falls.

Why Parents Get Accused

When a baby becomes unwell and presents with these injuries, clinicians may suspect non-accidental injury (NAI), triggering safeguarding protocols. This can lead to children being removed from the home, care proceedings being started in the Family Court and parents being investigated or charged with serious offences by the police.

Legal Implications

Being accused of causing non-accidental injury can lead to:

• Immediate child protection measures.
• Family court proceedings to determine the cause of the injuries and long-term care.
• Criminal investigation and possible prosecution.

These cases are traumatic and time-sensitive. Immediate legal representation is essential.

Rachel Carter & Victoria Harle: Specialists in Shaken Baby Syndrome Defence

Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are two of the UK’s leading solicitors in the defence of parents accused of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and other forms of alleged non-accidental injury (NAI). With over 18 years of experience in complex child protection law, Rachel is known for her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate approach to clients facing the most serious accusations. Victoria also brings extensive experience having worked in this area since 2017 and an empathetic understanding of the emotional toll these cases take on families.

Both solicitors work closely with leading barristers and medical experts in paediatrics, neuro-radiology, and pathology to challenge flawed assumptions, uncover alternative explanations, and ensure the family’s voice is properly heard in court.

Together, they have successfully defended numerous cases, details of which can be seen here  Their combined expertise means they are frequently instructed in the most complex and sensitive child protection cases nationwide. 

What to Do If You Are Accused

• Seek legal advice immediately – Contact Rachel Carter or Victoria Harle without delay.
• Keep notes of conversations with professionals and key events. 
• Consider whether any friends/family could care for the child/children if it is decided you cannot until the cause of the injury has been determined. 

Funding Legal Advice and Representation

Most of our work is legally aided (parents within care proceedings are automatically entitled to full legal aid).  We deal with a lot of cases where parents transfer their legal aid part way through a case when they are not entirely satisfied with or confident in their existing legal team.

Key Advice

• Instruct a solicitor immediately, ideally one with extensive experience in non-accidental injury cases.
• Keep a record of who you spoke to, what was said, and any decisions made.

We’re Here to Help

At Wollens Solicitors, we represent parents facing the unimaginable. Allegations of Shaken Baby Syndrome are complex and deeply emotional — but you do not have to go through it alone. 

Speak to a Specialist Today

If you’ve been accused of causing a non-accidental injury to a child, it’s critical to act fast. Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are nationally recognised experts in defending parents and carers in these highly sensitive and complex cases. With decades of combined experience and a calm, compassionate approach, they work closely with leading barristers and medical experts to challenge assumptions, ensure alternative explanations are considered and protect your family’s future.

Contact Rachel Carter or Victoria Harle today for urgent, confidential legal advice and expert representation. 

Speak to Rachel Carter

Rachel is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Rachel via email rachel.carter@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 396637.

View Rachel’s Profile

You can also complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available.