MARSHALL, TX - In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community, an 11-month-old baby girl suffered second-degree burns on both feet while under the care of Ms. Anita's Academic Center in August of 2023. Ashley McMullen, the child’s mother, is being represented by The Button Law Firm in legal action against the daycare center, alleging negligence on the part of the facility and its caregivers. This unfortunate incident has raised serious concerns about child safety and the need for accountability in daycare centers.
The child’s mom, who is represented by Texas daycare injury lawyers Russell Button and Ashley Washington of The Button Law Firm, is determined to seek justice for her daughter's painful and traumatic injury. In the filed complaint, the mom claims that Ms. Anita's Academic Center exposed her infant daughter to extreme danger by taking her outside in scorching 104-degree heat and allowing her to walk barefoot, which ultimately resulted in severe burns to the soles of her feet.
To read the entire filed complaint, click here.
Ashley McMullen expressed her shock and sadness, saying, "I am heartbroken because my daughter's severe burns could have easily been prevented by common sense. Everyone knows the Texas heat is dangerous in August, and these caregivers should know infants have particularly delicate skin. I am beside myself that Ms. Anita's Academic Center took my baby outside without socks or shoes."
Child Safety at Daycare – How Daycares Must Focus on Keeping Kids Safe
The lawsuit highlights the pain experienced by Ms. McMullen and her daughter and underscores a troubling contradiction in the daycare center's advertised values. Ms. Anita's Academic Center claims to be "focused on kindness" and a place where "honesty and accountability come first." However, when it comes to the safety of the children entrusted to their care, the daycare center's actions, as well as its history of citations issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, paint a different picture.
A History of Negligent Behavior from the Harrison County Daycare
Records reveal that the facility was cited for a shocking 21 safety failures between May 2020 and July 2023, just one month before our client’s young daughter was injured. These citations included allowing unqualified workers to care for children, failing to properly supervise children, and employees not completing required training. These repeated lapses in safety raise serious questions about the daycare center's commitment to ensuring the well-being of the children under its care.
How The Button Law Firm is Working to Help This Texas Family Get Justice
Texas daycare injury attorney Russell Button of The Button Law Firm, who represents Ms. McMullen and her daughter in this lawsuit, emphasizes the importance of holding daycare centers accountable for the safety of children. He stated, "Hardworking parents like our client expect Ms. Anita's Academic Center and other daycare centers to know and follow basic safety practices. This incident was preventable—if they had taken the proper care and used good judgment. We hope this lawsuit serves as a reminder of the essential role child safety regulations play in protecting little ones, like our client's infant daughter, at daycare centers."
The lawsuit filed by this Texas mom against Ms. Anita's Academic Center serves as a wake-up call to daycares across Texas. It highlights the need for rigorous safety measures and accountability to ensure that children are safe and well-cared for in daycare facilities. As the legal proceedings progress, the community will be watching closely, hoping that justice is served and that the incident leads to improved child safety standards in daycare centers.
What to Do If Your Child Suffered a Burn Injury at Daycare
If your child was the victim of a burn injury due to a daycare’s negligence, it’s important that you take quick action. Contact our team here at The Button Law Firm by calling us at (214)699-4409 or by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page. You can also reach us by starting a chat.
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