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DALLAS, Texas - The Dallas Morning News has featured a lawsuit The Button Law Firm filed against Bright Horizons at Legacy, a Plano daycare center, on behalf of Jocelyn Carter, a North Texas mother. According to the article, the lawsuit accuses the facility of endangering Carter’s 20-month-old daughter after she got access to a vape pen.
Details on What Happened at This Collin County Daycare
On her first day at Bright Horizons at Legacy, located in the 6500 block of Legacy Drive, Carter’s daughter got access to an electronic smoking device. According to the article, a caregiver noticed the toddler with the vape pen on January 22 and saw smoke emanating from the child’s mouth and nose. The article explained that despite this alarming incident, the daycare did not seek immediate medical attention or inform Carter or the authorities, which violates Texas daycare laws.
The lawsuit, filed in Collin County, seeks recovery for damages suffered by the family. The article highlighted that Carter’s daughter experienced severe symptoms, including swollen, red, and puffy eyes and cheeks and a persistent cough that led to vomiting. The Dallas Morning News noted that the daycare's failure to report the incident to Carter or the authorities until eight days later further aggravated the situation.
The Aftermath of the Daycare Vaping Incident
The article gave further details, saying that a caregiver had witnessed the child with the vape pen and quickly removed it from her hand. However, instead of reporting the incident, another caregiver pocketed the device. The suit says that the incident went unreported due to the witnessing caregiver’s uncertainty about the reporting process and fear of repercussions. According to the article, the witnessing caregiver was not punished for failing to report, while the caregiver who possessed the pen was suspended before eventually resigning.
Carter expressed her frustration and concern, stating, “I am furious that Bright Horizons at Legacy knew my daughter could be poisoned by drugs in a vape pen, but they chose to do nothing and remained silent. My daughter is my world. I don’t want to imagine what might have happened if I hadn’t rushed her to a doctor as soon as I sensed something was off.”
The Dangers of Children Getting Access to Vapes
The article referenced a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which highlighted a 32% increase in e-cigarette or vape pen exposure among children under five years old from April 2022 to March 2023. This alarming trend underscores the significance of the lawsuit and the dangers posed by negligent daycare practices.
According to the article, Carter involved the Plano police in the investigation. The authorities found that her daughter could have inhaled up to 40 milligrams of nicotine from a Lost Mary OS5000 disposable vape pen. The Texas Poison Center Network warns that even small amounts of nicotine can be fatal in children.
Investigation into the Daycare
The Dallas Morning News reported that Carter’s allegations were validated by an independent investigation conducted by the childcare licensing division of Texas Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. These state departments cited Bright Horizons at Legacy for negligent supervision and failing to comply with mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and neglect.
Negligent Practices at Bright Horizons: A Stark Reminder of Daycare Responsibilities
“Negligent practices at Bright Horizons at Legacy failed this family by endangering an innocent toddler’s life,” said Russell Button of The Button Law Firm. “Hard-working parents like Ms. Carter expect daycare centers to hire responsible caregivers and provide a safe environment. Bright Horizons at Legacy did neither, causing a little girl to suffer.”
The article emphasized the importance of adhering to state regulations to protect young children in daycare settings. The lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of daycare centers' responsibilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children under their care.
Contacting The Button Law Firm After a Daycare Incident
Our team at The Button Law Firm stands by families affected by daycare negligence, advocating fiercely for their rights and seeking justice. In our unwavering commitment to holding negligent parties accountable, we strive to make communities safer for children across Texas and beyond. To learn more about how we have helped families move forward from daycare negligence and abuse, click here.
To contact the daycare and childcare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm after a daycare incident, individuals can contact our team by phone at (214) 699-4409 or by filling out this contact form. You can also reach us by starting a chat here. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to provide free and confidential case evaluations to discuss the details of your child’s incident.
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