Idaho Statesman Discusses BLF’s Pursuit of Justice Against Texas YMCA

The Idaho Statesman Features BLF's Lawsuit Against YMCA

As detailed by the Idaho Statesman, The Button Law Firm is representing three families in a lawsuit against the YMCA of Central Texas after disturbing footage showed daycare worker Geraline Browning mistreating toddlers in her care. The lawsuit, filed in late January 2025, comes after surveillance footage revealed multiple instances of aggressive and unsafe behavior toward children, causing severe emotional and physical harm.

To read the full feature by the Idaho Statesman, click here.

The Unexpected Discovery: Surveillance Video Captures Children Being Choked

According to the article, the events leading to this lawsuit began in February 2024 when employees at the YMCA’s Pflugerville Center began reviewing security footage to locate a missing child’s shoe. However, what they found was far more alarming than they could have imagined.

The surveillance video captured Browning, in charge of a toddler classroom, engaging in shocking behavior toward the children. As outlined in the lawsuit, Browning was seen sitting idly, distracted by her phone, before walking over to a crying child. In a cold and aggressive manner, Browning forcibly made the child sit down and then proceeded to choke and shake her, all while scolding her for crying.

This behavior was just the beginning, and as the footage was reviewed further, more instances were discovered, leading The Button Law Firm to take immediate legal action.

Multiple Incidents of Inappropriate Punishments Across Several Days

The Idaho Statesman highlights that Browning’s behavior was not isolated. Between January 29 and February 21, 2024, Browning was caught on camera repeatedly mistreating toddlers. The footage showed Browning grabbing children by the neck, roughly pulling them by their arms and collarbones, and even violently shaking a toddler.

One particularly disturbing incident shows Browning grabbing a 2-year-old by the neck, spinning her around, and forcefully throwing her to the ground. The other children in the room are shown frozen with fear, witnessing the incident firsthand. This constant pattern of aggression raises serious concerns about the psychological impact on the children, some of whom were as young as 2 years old.

YMCA's Negligent Response and Failure to Protect Children

As reported by the Idaho Statesman, the YMCA’s response to the incident was delayed and inadequate. According to the lawsuit, despite the staff discovering the initial incidents on video, Browning was only placed on suspension and not immediately terminated. It wasn’t until law enforcement became involved that the YMCA took appropriate action by firing Browning.

The YMCA’s failure to protect the children under its care is even more egregious considering the organization’s duty to comply with state regulations. The lawsuit claims the YMCA neglected to create incident reports, a clear violation of Texas state childcare laws. It was only after the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services intervened and issued citations that the YMCA complied with the required reporting protocols.

How The Button Law Firm Plans to Hold the Daycare Accountable

Russell Button, founder and daycare injury attorney at The Button Law Firm, expressed BLF’s commitment to holding the YMCA accountable for its role in this horrific pattern of negligence. “What happened at the YMCA is unconscionable,” Button stated. “These toddlers were subjected to severe mistreatment and unsafe disciplinary methods, and the organization’s failure to act swiftly is unacceptable. We are determined to hold the YMCA accountable for the trauma these children have endured.”

This case underscores the need for increased vigilance in daycare centers and better oversight of childcare workers. As the Idaho Statesman noted, abuse of children in daycare settings is a grave concern that requires immediate attention and action.

The Button Law Firm is Here to Help after a Daycare or Child Injury

If you or a loved one has a child who has experienced abuse or neglect at a daycare, contact our passionate team of daycare and child injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm. Our team is here to help guide families through these challenging times and to seek justice and life-changing results after an injury.

We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.