Posted on Jul 30, 2024

electronic cigaretteNEW YORK, New York - In a troubling case that has garnered significant attention, The Button Law Firm is representing Jocelyn Carter, whose 20-month-old daughter became seriously ill after accessing a vape pen at a Bright Horizons daycare center in Plano, Texas. The incident, which has been prominently featured by Law & Crime, a well-known legal publication, highlights the urgent need for stricter safety measures in daycare facilities and the unwavering commitment of The Button Law Firm to advocate for affected families.

What Happened at This North Texas Daycare?

The article from Law & Crime shares that the ordeal began on January 22, Carter's daughter’s first day at Bright Horizons. According to the complaint filed in federal court, the child was found with a vape pen belonging to a daycare employee, leading to severe nicotine poisoning. The vape pen was discovered when an employee returned from the bathroom and noticed the little girl holding a pink device, with smoke and mist coming from her nose and mouth.

The employee confronted the vape pen’s owner, another employee, who discreetly took the pen and pocketed it without reporting the incident. When Carter arrived to pick up her daughter, she noticed her child’s eyes and cheeks were swollen, red, and puffy. The daycare staff dismissed her concerns with a laugh, attributing the swelling to the child being a "good sleeper."

Medical Crisis and Delayed Truth

That night, the young girl developed a severe and persistent cough, causing vomiting and necessitating medical attention. Despite the alarming symptoms, it wasn't until eight days later that Bright Horizons informed Carter about the true nature of the incident. Even then, the details were insufficient, leaving Carter without critical information about the substance in the vape pen or how her daughter accessed it.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Law & Crime’s article shared that the mother, who was outraged by the negligence, notified the police, who determined that the child could have ingested up to 40 milligrams of nicotine—a potentially fatal amount for a child. The Texas Poison Center Network corroborated the dangers of such exposure. Subsequently, investigations by the state’s Health and Human Services Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cited the daycare for neglectful supervision and failing to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

The Button Law Firm Steps In

Russell Button, a leading daycare and childcare injury lawyer and founder of The Button Law Firm, spearheads the legal battle for Carter and her family. “Negligent practices at Bright Horizons at Legacy failed this family by endangering an innocent toddler’s life,” Button stated. “Hard-working parents like Ms. Carter expect daycare centers to hire responsible caregivers and provide a safe environment. Bright Horizons at Legacy did neither, causing a little girl to suffer.”

BLF’s Commitment to Justice and Safety

The Button Law Firm’s involvement has brought significant media attention, with Law & Crime prominently featuring the lawsuit. This high-profile coverage emphasizes the importance of accountability in childcare settings and the role of legal advocacy in driving change. Our firm’s dedication to seeking justice for this family and ensuring that drugging incidents do not recur is a testament to our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

As the legal proceedings continue, our team at The Button Law Firm remains steadfast in our mission to support Carter and her family through this traumatic experience. Our work aims to secure justice for the child and prompt systemic changes that will safeguard other children from similar dangers.

Moving Forward After a Daycare Incident

The harrowing incident at Bright Horizons daycare and the subsequent legal actions led by The Button Law Firm highlight critical issues in childcare safety and the importance of vigilant legal advocacy. The Law & Crime feature underscores the broader implications of this case, advocating for higher standards and accountability in daycare facilities. Through our dedicated efforts, The Button Law Firm strives to bring justice to the child and her family, ensuring safer environments for all children.

Contacting The Button Law Firm After a Daycare Injury

Our team at The Button Law Firm stands by families affected by daycare negligence, advocating fiercely for their rights and seeking justice. In our unwavering commitment to holding negligent parties accountable, we strive to make communities safer for children across Texas and beyond. To learn more about how we have helped families move forward from daycare negligence and abuse, click here.

To contact The Button Law Firm after a daycare incident, you can contact our team by phone at (214) 699-4409 or by filling out this contact form. You can also reach us by starting a chat here. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to provide free and confidential case evaluations to discuss the details of your child’s incident.

Russell Button
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Dallas, Houston, and Midland Texas trial and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.