Unexplained Injuries

False Allegations of Child Abuse Due to Unexplained Injuries

When a child has an injury that cannot be clearly explained, or when the story about how it happened does not match up with the injury itself, Child Protective Services or the police may suspect child abuse. For parents in Lansing, Ingham County, and throughout Mid-Michigan, these situations can quickly spiral into frightening investigations or even criminal cases.

At The Kronzek Firm, we understand just how overwhelming and devastating these accusations can be. You are not only facing the risk of criminal charges, but you could also lose custody of your child, be listed on the Michigan Central Registry, or suffer long-lasting harm to your reputation. Our team is here to give you the skilled, determined defense you need.

Call us now for a confidential consultation at (800) 576-6035.

What Are “Unexplained Injuries”?

An unexplained injury is when a parent or caregiver either cannot say how the child got hurt or gives a reason that does not make sense for the type, location, or timing of the injury. Michigan CPS sees these situations as serious warning signs. Investigators will look for patterns, especially if there are injuries in different stages of healing, which can sometimes be taken as proof of ongoing abuse.

Common injuries that often lead to suspicion include:

  • Bruises on the face, neck, upper arms, ears, or genitals
  • Bite marks or burns with unusual patterns
  • Broken bones that do not match up with normal falls or activities
  • Signs of head trauma or shaken baby syndrome in infants

When Accidents Are Misinterpreted

Kids get hurt all the time—falling, bumping into things, or playing rough. But sometimes, innocent accidents are misread or exaggerated, and parents find themselves wrongly accused of abuse or neglect. CPS or the police may become suspicious if:

  • The injury does not make sense given the story (for example, bruising on the back after a “fall from a chair”)
  • The child has several bruises or broken bones in different stages of healing
  • A parent is not sure how or when the injury happened
  • There have been past CPS complaints, even if they were not true

This is especially true for babies and young children who cannot talk about what happened. In these cases, every injury is examined closely and often treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.

Medical Conditions That Mimic Abuse

There are medical conditions that can cause bruising, broken bones, or other symptoms that look like signs of abuse. These conditions include:

  • Hemophilia, a blood disorder that causes easy bruising
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, which leads to frequent fractures
  • Leukemia, which can cause unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Rickets, caused by vitamin D deficiency, making bones fragile
  • Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, which can look like physical trauma

If your child has a medical condition that could explain the injury, it is essential to speak with an attorney right away and have the right experts evaluate your child.

Other Causes of Suspicion: Munchausen by Proxy and Burns

Munchausen by Proxy is a rare but serious situation where a caregiver deliberately causes or pretends their child is ill or injured to get attention or sympathy. CPS may suspect this if the child’s symptoms are unexplained, keep coming back, or do not make sense medically.

Burns can also trigger an abuse investigation, especially if they:

  • Have a shape that looks like a specific object, such as an iron, cigarette, or hot spoon
  • Show up as immersion burns, where a child was placed in hot water
  • Are found in sensitive areas like the buttocks or genitals

SIDS and Infant Injuries

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is a tragic and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby. Even with a thorough autopsy, the cause is often never found. Other injuries that get a lot of scrutiny include:

  • Subdural hematomas
  • Seizures or coma in infants
  • Skull fractures or brain swelling

Sadly, these serious medical emergencies are sometimes wrongly blamed on intentional abuse.

What Should You Do If You Are Under Investigation?

If you are being investigated for abuse after an unexplained injury:

  • Do not talk to CPS or the police without an attorney present
  • Do not agree to interviews or home visits without legal advice
  • Collect all of your child’s medical records
  • Contact a skilled defense attorney right away

At The Kronzek Firm, we have a strong track record of defending Michigan parents against false allegations, including shaken baby syndrome, medical misdiagnosis, and CPS overreach.

Contact Michigan’s Leading Child Abuse Defense Team Today

False allegations of child abuse can destroy families and futures. With the right legal defense, you can protect your rights and your child.

Call The Kronzek Firm now at (800) 576-6035.

We offer free and confidential consultations, and we are ready to start working on your defense right away. Serving Lansing, Ingham County, and all across Michigan, we fight to protect parents, restore reputations, and keep families together.