A Shocking Case of Negligence at a Texas Daycare
At The Button Law Firm, we help families move forward after daycare negligence puts children in danger. In this case, we fought for justice after a daycare’s failure to follow safety procedures left a young child trapped in a locked van for over three hours.
This devastating incident highlights the importance of proper supervision and accountability in daycare settings. No family should experience the fear and betrayal that this child and their mother endured.
How a Daycare’s Negligence Led to a Child Being Trapped for Hours
The incident began when the daycare was transporting a group of children from a public school to their facility for after-school care. Upon arrival, the daycare staff failed to account for all the children exiting the van, violating Texas law, which requires daycares to track attendance and ensure no child is left behind.
A critical mistake was made when the staff noticed one child was not in line but assumed they were absent. Instead of reviewing the attendance sheet or checking the van, they continued inside, leaving the child trapped in the vehicle.
For over three hours, the child was locked in the van, alone and terrified. Desperately trying to escape, they cried, hyperventilated, and eventually fell asleep from exhaustion. This distress and fear could have been entirely prevented had the daycare followed basic safety procedures.
The Daycare’s Attempt to Cover Up Their Mistake
The horror of this situation was compounded when the daycare staff attempted to cover up their negligence. The truth was only uncovered when the child’s mother arrived to pick them up around 6:00 PM. The daycare initially did not realize the child was missing, leading to a frantic ten-minute search.
Shockingly, the daycare director falsely claimed to have found the child asleep in the restroom rather than admitting they had been trapped in the van. The child, visibly distressed and dehydrated, later told their mother the truth. Instead of taking responsibility, the daycare even attempted to offer a financial incentive to keep the incident quiet.
How The Button Law Firm Helped the Family Move Forward
The child’s mother was devastated—not only by the daycare’s negligence but by their dishonest attempt to cover it up. Unsure of what to do next, she reached out to The Button Law Firm for guidance.
We immediately took action by helping her report the daycare to the state, file a police report, and ensure that her child received the necessary medical and psychological care. We fought tirelessly to hold the daycare accountable, securing justice for the family and ensuring this daycare’s dangerous practices were exposed.
Holding Negligent Daycares Accountable
This case is a powerful example of why accountability matters in daycare settings. No child should be put in harm’s way due to negligence, and no parent should have to fight alone for justice. At The Button Law Firm, we stand up for families and ensure negligent daycares are held responsible.
If your child has been injured due to a daycare’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re not ready to talk yet but want to learn more, we’ve created a free, five-step guide on what to do after a daycare injury. It’s linked below for you to download.
Your family’s safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you move forward.
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