Posted on Jul 25, 2024

child in carHOUSTON, Texas—FOX 26 Houston has reported a troubling situation involving a lawsuit against Star Kiddos Childcare Center in Houston. A family is claiming negligence after a four-year-old boy was left unattended in a hot van. Our team at The Button Law Firm represents the boy’s mother, Brandy Jones, in this critical legal battle.

Incident Details – What Happened at This Houston Daycare

The article shares that on May 24, 2023, Jones’s son fell asleep in a daycare van during a routine transport from Star Kiddos Childcare Center to his elementary school. The driver failed to ensure all children exited the vehicle, leaving the boy alone for approximately two hours. When he awoke, disoriented and overheated, the child freed himself and returned to the daycare.

An Attempted Cover-Up by Star Kiddos Childcare Center

According to the article, Jones discovered the alarming incident after receiving a call from her son's school, reporting his delayed arrival. When she contacted the daycare, the staff attempted to downplay the situation by offering free childcare services to prevent her from alerting authorities. Initially, the daycare admitted to being unaware of the boy's presence in the van until he entered the facility himself, though later they claimed they knew he had fallen asleep but failed to reach Jones before the school’s call.

Legal and Regulatory Response from The Button Law Firm

The lawsuit, spearheaded by The Button Law Firm, emphasizes the severe danger posed by the daycare’s failure to follow essential safety protocols. Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services conducted investigations, validating Jones’s claims. They confirmed that Star Kiddos violated state laws by neglecting to account for all children during drop-off and failing to notify Jones promptly.

The investigation also revealed that the van’s safety alarm had been disabled, further exacerbating the situation. Beyond this incident, the daycare has accumulated 39 additional violations over three years, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

A Houston Mother Shares Details About the Terrifying Experience

Brandy Jones expressed her distress, stating, "The thought of my son being left in a sweltering van without anyone knowing is a nightmare no parent should have to experience. It is common knowledge leaving children in hot vehicles can turn fatal, especially with Houston’s summer temperatures. Star Kiddos Childcare Center put my son’s life at risk."

Russell Button, representing The Button Law Firm, strongly condemned the daycare’s actions. "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. The daycare center’s response to leaving the child in the van is telling. We are committed to holding the center accountable for its gross oversight and endangering the life of an innocent child."

Broader Implications – How The Button Law Firm is Advocating for Further Daycare Safety

This case highlights the importance of adherence to safety regulations in childcare facilities, particularly regarding transportation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and the need for stringent enforcement of safety protocols.

The Button Law Firm, known for its dedication to protecting children and advocating for justice, continues to seek accountability for Star Kiddos Childcare Center’s negligence. Our team’s involvement underscores its commitment to representing families affected by daycare negligence, ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly addressed in the legal arena.

The lawsuit against Star Kiddos Childcare Center is a pivotal case that highlights the vital need for safety in childcare environments. As the case progresses, it aims to bring justice to Brandy Jones and her son while setting a precedent to prevent similar incidents. The Button Law Firm's work reflects our unwavering dedication to safeguarding children’s welfare and holding negligent parties accountable.

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 child-related injuries such as abuse and neglect cases, bottle warmer burnstraumatic 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.

Russell Button
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Dallas, Houston, and Midland Texas trial and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.