Welcome to “Moving Forward,” our ongoing series where we share stories of how we’ve helped families find justice after daycare injuries. This month, we highlight a case where quick action, determination, and legal expertise uncovered abuse and brought healing to a family.
The Start of a Parent’s Nightmare
A concerned family reached out to us after noticing unexplained bruises and scratches on their 1-year-old child following a day at daycare. Initially, the daycare staff provided inconsistent and alarming explanations for the injuries:
- An incident report described the child as “throwing up old milk” with a mysterious bruise on their arm.
- Additional scratches on the child’s face and neck were later blamed on a supposed fight between children.
As these explanations failed to align with the severity of the injuries, the parents grew suspicious. They contacted The Button Law Firm to uncover the truth.
Taking Swift Action
Our team immediately prioritized securing evidence. We sent an investigator to deliver preservation letters to the daycare and obtained surveillance footage before it could be destroyed.
The footage revealed the heartbreaking reality:
- A caregiver was aggressively force-feeding the child, leading to choking and vomiting. Despite the child’s distress, the caregiver continued, coldly saying, “I don’t care.”
- Afterward, the caregiver roughly lifted the child and slammed them onto a diaper-changing table while berating them.
- Shockingly, other staff members witnessed this abuse and did nothing to intervene.
The video, which lasted 33 minutes, showed the sheer disregard for the child’s safety and well-being.
Uncovering a Troubling Pattern
The state conducted an independent investigation, uncovering numerous violations of childcare standards at the daycare, including:
- The use of prohibited physical punishment.
- Humiliating and harsh disciplinary techniques.
These findings emphasized the daycare’s history of negligence, underscoring the importance of holding such centers accountable.
Supporting the Family Through Healing
The parents’ primary concern was the long-term impact on their child. While play therapy and counseling weren’t immediately possible due to the child’s age, we guided the family on recognizing signs of daycare trauma and supporting their child emotionally.
We remained by their side, ensuring they had the resources and reassurance needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
Securing Justice and Preventing Future Harm
Ultimately, we achieved a life-changing settlement for the family. This victory not only provided them with the means to support their child’s recovery but also sent a powerful message to the daycare, ensuring such negligence would not harm another child.
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