AOL has shared details about a shocking lawsuit involving a Houston-area daycare, Star Kiddos Childcare Center, which is accused of endangering a four-year-old child's life. The Button Law Firm, known for our experience in daycare and childcare injury cases, represents the family in this high-stakes legal battle. The lawsuit centers on an incident where the child was left in a hot daycare van for hours, a situation that has sparked outrage and garnered significant attention.
Daycare Negligence Leads to a Child Being Left in a Hot Van
On May 24, 2023, a routine day turned into a nightmare for Brandy Jones when her four-year-old son was left unattended in a daycare van. The lawsuit we filed on behalf of the Jones family shares that the boy fell asleep during transportation from Star Kiddos Childcare Center to his elementary school. However, the daycare van driver failed to ensure that all children exited the vehicle, leaving the child in the sweltering van for nearly two hours.
AOL Highlights the Dangers of Leaving a Child in a Hot Vehicle
AOL’s article delves deeper into the terrifying experience the child endured. After waking up alone in the hot van, the boy, scared and confused, managed to free himself and return to the daycare on his own. The incident was only brought to light when the elementary school contacted Jones to report her son’s late arrival. Upon learning of the situation, Jones immediately contacted Star Kiddos Childcare Center, only to be met with alarming responses.
Daycare’s Attempted Cover-Up Exposed by Our Firm
According to the article, Star Kiddos Childcare Center initially claimed they were unaware the child was left in the van until he re-entered the facility. Later, they changed their story, asserting they knew he had fallen asleep but could not reach the mother in time. Disturbingly, the daycare attempted to cover up the incident by offering Jones two and a half weeks of free childcare to dissuade her from reporting it.
Russell Button, our team’s founding attorney, emphasized the daycare’s gross negligence. "Star Kiddos Childcare Center blatantly ignored key childcare transportation laws that were created to prevent dangerous heat-related incidents like what happened to Ms. Jones’ son," Button stated. We are committed to holding the daycare accountable for failing to protect this child.
State Investigation Confirms Multiple Violations at Houston Daycare
AOL's coverage also highlights the findings of a state investigation by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The investigation confirmed that Star Kiddos Childcare Center violated state laws by leaving the child in the van, failing to notify the mother, and providing false information in a mandated incident report.
Moreover, the daycare’s safety record revealed 39 additional violations between October 2020 and October 2023, underscoring a troubling pattern of neglect. The investigation found that the van driver had even turned off the vehicle’s safety alarm, further compromising the safety of the children.
Our Firm Fights for Child Safety and Accountability
At The Button Law Firm, we are known for our unwavering commitment to child safety and our experience handling daycare injury cases. In this case, we will ensure that Star Kiddos Childcare Center is held accountable for its actions. The lawsuit aims to bring justice to the Jones family and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Brandy Jones expressed her anguish over the incident, stating, "The thought of my son being left in a sweltering van without anyone knowing is a nightmare no parent should have to experience." This case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of adhering to childcare safety regulations and the devastating consequences when those regulations are ignored.
Contacting The Button Law Firm After a Serious Daycare Incident
The Button Law Firm is a Texas-based personal injury law firm dedicated to advocating for children and their families in significant litigation to make local communities safer. Our firm focuses on daycare and childcare injuries such as abuse and neglect cases, bottle warmer burns, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic injuries. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm helps families move forward across the Lone Star State.
If you or a loved one has experienced a similar incident, The Button Law Firm is here to help. Contact our Houston daycare injury attorneys at 281-857-6116 to speak with one of our experienced team members.
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