When a Daycare Turns Dangerous: Justice for a Toddler Hurt by Neglect and Abuse

A Safe Place Turned Into a Nightmare

Daycare should be a safe space—a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and feel protected while their parents are at work. Tragically, that was not the reality for 1-year-old Susan*.

In early 2024, Susan was subjected to repeated acts of abuse at the hands of those entrusted with her care. Instead of receiving the attention and compassion every child deserves, Susan was strapped to a chair for long periods as a form of punishment, multiple times. At just one year old, it’s impossible to fathom what behavior could have possibly “warranted” this kind of treatment.

Even more disturbing, the straps used to restrain Susan weren’t safety tools provided by the chair’s manufacturer—they were additional restraints supplied by the daycare facility itself.

A Series of Failures by the Daycare Facility

This wasn’t a one-time lapse or a rogue employee. Susan’s abuse points to deep, systemic failures. The daycare not only failed to train its staff on safe supervision and discipline practices properly, but it also failed to monitor how caregivers treated the children on a daily basis. The environment that should have been safe and nurturing became dangerous and traumatic.

The daycare’s decisions—both in action and inaction—violated safety standards and common human decency. And sadly, it was Susan who paid the price.

The Emotional Impact on a Young Child

The damage done didn’t end when the abuse stopped. Susan’s family quickly noticed heartbreaking changes in her behavior. She began suffering from night terrors and developed an intense fear of chairs—an everyday item now associated with fear and punishment.

Worse, she no longer trusted adults. She hit herself and others when frustrated, and began to isolate herself from other children. Her family described the transformation as night and day: their once joyful, carefree little girl had become withdrawn, fearful, and angry.

These are clear signs of trauma. Young children may not be able to articulate their pain, but they show it in other ways—and Susan was showing every symptom of having endured mistreatment no child should ever face.

Holding the Daycare Accountable

At The Button Law Firm, we knew something had to be done. Although no legal result can undo what Susan went through, our team fought hard to ensure accountability. We successfully obtained a life-changing outcome for Susan and her family—one that will help them access the care, therapy, and support they need to begin healing.

This case also sent a powerful message to the daycare and others like it: these actions won’t be ignored. Negligence, abuse, and reckless disregard for a child’s well-being have consequences.

Fighting for Families Every Day

Unfortunately, Susan’s story isn’t rare. We regularly help families who’ve faced similar heartbreak due to daycare negligence and abuse. Whether it’s lack of supervision, unsafe facilities, or untrained staff, the results are often the same—children get hurt, and families are left to pick up the pieces.

That’s where we step in. At The Button Law Firm, we’re dedicated to being more than just attorneys—we’re advocates. We stand with families, offering support, guidance, and fierce representation when it matters most.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

If your child has been hurt at a daycare, whether through abuse, neglect, or lack of supervision, please know that you’re not alone. These cases are heartbreaking, but they’re also preventable—and we’re here to help you fight for the justice your child deserves.

Reach out to our team. We’re here to listen, to guide, and to stand beside you every step of the way.

*Name changed to protect privacy.