MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina - WBTW CBS News 13 Myrtle Beach has shared the story of a significant lawsuit filed by a Texas family against Tadpole Children's Academy. Represented by The Button Law Firm, the family claims the daycare center endangered their 5-year-old son by failing to comply with Texas childcare laws.
Incident Overview – What Happened at This Texas Daycare?
According to the article, in September 2023, Erick and Alexis Gardea's 5-year-old son was left unattended in a daycare van operated by Tadpole Children's Academy. According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a routine transport of children from school to the daycare center. The driver neglected to account for all the children exiting the van, leaving the Gardeas' son, who had fallen asleep, alone inside. The van was parked and locked in a garage across the street from the daycare facility.
The terrified and unattended child woke up crying and hyperventilating. He managed to exit the van and was discovered by a good Samaritan who heard him banging on the garage doors. The person took the distressed child back to the daycare center. Shockingly, the daycare staff did not immediately inform the Gardeas about the incident. The child’s mother only learned what had happened when she arrived to pick up her son at the end of the day.
Legal Action and Previous Violations
The lawsuit emphasizes a pattern of negligence at Tadpole Children's Academy. Following the incident, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services substantiated neglect claims against the daycare. Notably, Tadpole Children's Academy had been cited for a similar incident nearly two years earlier and received 12 additional citations for non-compliance with Texas daycare laws between July 2019 and June 2023.
How The Button Law Firm is Working to Help This Texas Family
Russell Button, the daycare injury lawyer representing the Gardea family, highlighted the gravity of the situation: "What happened to our clients' son at Tadpole Children's Academy was a clear case of daycare negligence and, sadly, was not an isolated incident. We are committed to reinforcing the importance of child safety and ensuring no other child has a traumatic experience at this facility."
Alexis Gardea shared her distress: "The fact that our son was left without anyone at Tadpole Children's Academy noticing and then was able to get out of the daycare van on his own and be found by a stranger is terrifying. Tadpole Children's Academy failed us and our child. He could have been kidnapped."
Advocacy and Community Impact
At The Button Law Firm, we are known for our advocacy for children and their families. This case underscores the critical need for stricter adherence to childcare laws to prevent such incidents. By pursuing legal action, we aim to support the Gardea family in bringing about changes that will enhance the safety of daycare environments and protect other children from experiencing similar neglect.
About The Button Law Firm
Our team at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to making local communities safer through meaningful litigation. Specializing in daycare and child-related injuries, the firm handles cases involving abuse and neglect, traumatic brain injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm serves families across Texas, advocating tirelessly for justice and safety.
Contact The Button Law Firm for Help After a Daycare Injury
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 a team member, or fill out our contact form. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your family’s rights are protected.
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