When Child Abuse Pediatricians Get It Wrong: What Michigan Families Need to Know
Welcome back, and thanks for joining us again. We’re continuing our discussion about Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs), and the devastating consequences when these specialists misdiagnose accidental injuries or medical conditions as abuse. As we discussed in the previous article, the story of the Timmerman family in Texas shows just how quickly a doctor’s mistake can turn into a nightmare for innocent families.
It Often Starts With a Misdiagnosis
Whenever a doctor suspects abuse or neglect and reports it, Child Protective Services (CPS) is required to investigate. But what happens when the medical diagnosis is wrong? Child Abuse Pediatricians are brought in when there’s already suspicion of harm, and they often approach cases with the assumption that abuse has occurred. Unfortunately, this bias can lead to hasty or unsupported conclusions. Once a CAP decides that a child’s injuries are suspicious, it can feel like the system is stacked against the family—even when later evidence proves them innocent.
The Word of a Child Abuse Pediatrician Carries Enormous Weight
CPS workers often have little medical training and are hesitant to challenge a doctor’s findings. When a CAP points the finger at parents, CPS typically accepts the diagnosis at face value—even if the facts don’t add up. We have seen cases in Michigan (and nationwide) where parents are investigated, separated from their children, and forced to defend themselves for months or even years—all because of a medical opinion that turned out to be wrong.
This Happens in Michigan, Too
Michigan is no stranger to these issues. For example, Dr. Bethany Mohr at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor has become a controversial figure for her role in diagnosing child abuse in many high-profile Michigan cases. Over the years, she’s earned a reputation—fairly or unfairly—as someone quick to accuse, and there are numerous reports of children being removed from their homes after her evaluations, only to have parents later cleared of wrongdoing. The result? Michigan families torn apart, forced to spend enormous resources to prove their innocence.
What Should You Do If You’re Accused by a CAP?
If you find yourself facing abuse allegations based on a CAP’s diagnosis, you need to be prepared for a tough legal battle. The word of a CAP can be enough for CPS to take immediate action—even when there’s little or no evidence. The good news: You do have rights, and you don’t have to face the system alone.
At The Kronzek Firm, our team of experienced child abuse and neglect defense attorneys has successfully handled many cases involving child abuse pediatricians and controversial medical diagnoses. We know how to challenge biased or unsupported claims, work with outside medical experts, and fight to keep your family together.
If you or someone you know is accused of child abuse based on a questionable medical opinion, call us immediately at 866-766-5245. We are here to protect your family, fight for your rights, and help you navigate one of the most difficult experiences any parent can face.