The mother of a badly injured Austin baby could lose her parental rights.

Heang Kim Sean, 21, could lose her rights for failing to protect her 18-month-old daughter, who is recovering from liver lacerations, spleen damage and internal bleeding.

In court Wednesday, District Judge Donald Rysavy ruled that Sean must not have any contact with the child and must complete a psychological evaluation.

According to a petition filed in August by MCHS, St. Marys Hospital contacted MCHS on Aug. 13, saying the baby had “suspicious injuries.” The injuries included bruising to the chest, abdomen, legs, knees, inner thighs and groin area. A CT scan revealed liver lacerations, possible spleen damage, pancreatic trauma, possible bowel damage and internal bleeding, according to the petition. The petition did not make any references to how the infant received the injuries.

Sean is expecting another child, although her attorney, Dan Donnelly, was unable to officially confirm the pregnancy.

“I think it’s pretty obvious she is (pregnant) … but I would have to talk to her before I can confirm that,” Donnelly said.

Assistant Mower County Attorney Aaron Jones, representing Mower County Human Services, said, “We cannot address that issue yet until any potential child is born.”

Donnelly told the court Wednesday that Sean would like to be allowed visitation with her 18-month-old daughter. Sean maintains she didn’t cause the injuries, Donnelly said.

However, Assistant Mower County Attorney Aaron Jones and Alice Snater, guardian ad litem for the baby, recommended Sean have no contact.

“(The baby) is so traumatized with these faces that she has terror in her eyes and tries to get away from anyone unrecognizable to her,” Snater said in court. “I am adamantly saying no contact by either parent.”

The baby’s father, Dion Schultz, lives in Utah. He was scheduled to appear at Wednesday’s hearing via telephone, but the court was unable to reach him.

No criminal charges have been filed against Sean. Sheriff Terese Amazi said the matter is still under investigation.

A hearing for Sean to either admit or deny the allegations — that she has failed to protect her daughter — will be held in the coming weeks.

Check AustinDailyHerald.com on Thursday for updates.