Being accused of injuring your child is one of the most terrifying accusations you can face, especially as there is a chance you might lose your child to the care system, if it is proved.
What is a non-accidental injury?
Non-accidental injury (NAI) is a term, used to label many different types of injury, including:
- Bruising to babies who are not mobile
- Bruises in the shape of a hand or implement
- Fractures or broken bones in a non-mobile child
- Shaken baby syndrome (a head or brain injury in a child)
- Fabricated or induced illness, sometimes called Munchausens Syndrome (a pretend illness)
- Infant death
- Sexual abuse
What should I do?
First of all, make sure that you remain calm. This is a highly stressful time and probably one of the most terrifying that has ever happened to you. The best approach is to remain calm and be as co-operative as possible with the social services and doctors.
Take notes – write down everything you can remember about how the injury that has occurred. Do not miss out any details, this could be vital evidence.
Take legal advice as soon as possible – you can contact Nelsons at any time and we will respond to you urgently. We have an excellent track record of uncovering medical explanations for what look like inflicted injuries. We will represent you, defend you and give you specific guidance about what the best course of action is.
Remember – NAI is a complex area of law. What looks like inflicted injuries can be caused by other things like genetic conditions and birth complications. We will unpick these issues and get you and your baby the best possible result.
How Nelsons can help
Melanie Bridgen is a Partner in our expert Family Law team.
If you are a parent accused of injuring your child, please contact Melanie or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form for legal advice immediately. Advice is free if care proceedings are filed or you have a PLO letter sent before care proceedings.
At Nelsons, we have dealt with and successfully defended many parents who are in this exact situation. We are experts in the law around this complex area.
We understand that this is a tense time and that you will be filled with anxiety, fear and worried about what to do for the best. We understand this and will take you through this process so that your parental rights are protected.