AUSTIN, Texas - In a case reported by KVUE, an Austin family has filed a lawsuit against The Children’s Courtyard daycare after witnessing the abuse of their toddler on a live video feed. The lawsuit, obtained by KVUE, claims that Alexis Dominguez’s two-year-old son was smothered and slapped by a daycare employee during naptime. The Button Law Firm is representing the family in the lawsuit.
What Happened at This Central Texas Daycare?
According to the article, the incident occurred in July 2023 when the child’s father checked the daycare's live feed and saw the daycare worker smothering the toddler with a blanket to silence him and then slapping him. The father immediately drove to the daycare and reported the incident to daycare management. The incident was later reported to law enforcement, but the lawsuit claims the employee was only suspended for one day by the daycare.
Legal Action and Investigation
Russell Button, the family’s attorney and founder of The Button Law Firm, emphasized the lasting impact on the family, stating that they are in the process of healing from this traumatic event.
An independent investigation by Texas Health and Human Services(THHS) supported claims of physical abuse and neglectful supervision. KVUE's report highlights previous violations at the daycare, including unsupervised children and unreported incidents.
Raising Awareness for Parents
Attorney Russell Button pointed out the importance of awareness among parents regarding daycare compliance histories. When interviewed by KVUE, Button said, “Unfortunately – and this is the reason why we're trying to always create awareness for other parents – a lot of parents don't know how to get access to this HHS public website to find prior violations. Then to make informed decisions about where to send their kid. This looked like a great daycare and presented well until they started to see these red flags." Despite thorough research, the family was unaware of prior violations at the center.
Previous Incidents at The Children’s Courtyard Austin
KVUE also reported other concerning incidents involving The Children’s Courtyard. In a separate lawsuit, a child in New Braunfels suffered a seizure due to lack of proper monitoring. Additionally, in 2017, two employees were dismissed after being caught on video mistreating a toddler at another location.
This high-profile lawsuit, prominently featured by KVUE, highlights the critical importance of transparency and safety in childcare settings. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a cautionary tale for parents and caregivers about the vigilance required to ensure child welfare.
Contacting The Button Law Firm’s Daycare Injury Attorneys
If your child has been injured due to daycare negligence, The Button Law Firm is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Our experienced team of daycare injury attorneys is committed to fighting for justice for families affected by daycare negligence.
For a free and confidential case evaluation, call us at 214-699-4409, chat with us, or fill out our contact form. You can also reach a member of our team by starting a chat here. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your family’s rights are protected.
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