Child Injury Law Firm Highlights Preventable Risks After Indictment in Toddler’s Wrongful Death

PRINEVILLE, Oregon - At The Button Law Firm, we represent families when preventable child safety failures lead to devastating outcomes. A recent indictment in Prineville, Oregon, has brought renewed attention to the risks children face when proper supervision and basic child safety measures are not in place.

On March 26, 2026, a Crook County grand jury returned an indictment against Tralina Fulton, including charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and second-degree child neglect.

A 20-month-old child was in the care of Fulton at her private residence on September 9, 2025. During that time, the child was able to access an outdoor area where he encountered a dangerous drowning hazard.

Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before the child was transported for medical care. He later passed away from his injuries.

A Family’s Grief and Their Pursuit of Accountability for the Wrongful Death of Their Son

“There are no words to describe the agonizing heartbreak of losing our 20-month-old child,” the family shared in a statement released by their attorney, Russell Button of The Button Law Firm. “He was the light of our lives, and he had a life that mattered. His preventable death has left a void in our family that can never be filled.”

“We recognize the grand jury’s indictment was a crucial first step toward accountability and justice for our son. We are grateful to the district attorney’s office, law enforcement, and first responders for their diligence and care. We place our trust in the legal process as we prepare for the arraignment on May 6.”

When Basic Child Safety Standards Are Not Followed

Cases like this are a reminder that many child injuries and deaths are not accidents—they are often the result of preventable child safety failures. According to information published by The Button Law Firm, daycare and child injury cases frequently involve issues like inadequate supervision, unsafe environments, or caregivers taking on more children than they can safely manage.

Even a brief lapse in attention can expose a child to life-threatening hazards—especially around water.

Basic Child Safety Requirements for All Caregivers

Parents have the right to expect that the caregiver they trust with their child will ensure that the environment is safe. Here are some things parents should routinely discuss with their child’s caregiver:

• Supervision matters most: Children should be actively watched at all times, especially in environments with potential hazards like water, play equipment, or open outdoor areas.
• Ask about child-to-caregiver ratios: Safe childcare depends on whether caregivers can realistically monitor every child in their care.
• Look for environmental risks: Water features, pools, unsecured gates, and open access to outdoor areas can quickly become dangerous if not properly secured.
• Understand child safety policies: Caregivers should have clear protocols for supervision, emergencies, and hazard prevention.

Many serious child injuries happen when these basic child safety measures break down.

Drowning Hazards Require Constant Vigilance

Drowning hazards are one of the most serious risks for young children. Situations involving standing water, decorative features, or unsecured outdoor areas require constant supervision and proper barriers.

For toddlers, even small amounts of water can pose life-threatening danger in a matter of moments.

How The Button Law Firm Holds Caregivers Accountable

At The Button Law Firm, our work is focused on helping families uncover what went wrong and holding responsible parties accountable when a child is seriously injured or killed due to negligence.

We handle cases involving daycare injuries, child neglect, unsafe premises, and wrongful death. These cases often center on whether a child’s injury was preventable and whether child safety rules were ignored.

Our team investigates the facts, identifies failures in supervision or child safety, and takes action to help families move forward while working to prevent similar harm to other children.

Contact The Button Law Firm After a Serious Child Injury

If you’ve experienced a severe injury or wrongful death in a daycare, childcare setting, or any environment where they were supposed to be protected, you do not have to navigate this alone.

The Button Law Firm is here to help families find answers and pursue accountability.

Call 214-699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our contact form for a free and confidential case evaluation.