Posted on Feb 20, 2024

A mother and her daughter in photo together NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Lindsay Tompkins, a mother from Nacogdoches, has taken legal action against Stepping Stones Early Learning Center following a disturbing incident that occurred in May 2023. Tompkins claims that negligence on the part of caregivers at the daycare led to her 3-year-old daughter wandering away from the facility, ultimately ending up on Highway Loop 224, a busy road. The incident has prompted a lawsuit aimed at holding the daycare accountable for neglecting to properly care for the toddler and putting her in serious danger.

What Happened at This East Texas Daycare?

According to the complaint filed by The Button Law Firm, the toddler was found on the side of Highway Loop 224, clutching a doll when concerned passersby noticed her. Shockingly, the daycare staff didn’t even notice the child was gone until two workers from the daycare passed the commotion from the scene and realized it was a child from their daycare. To make matters worse, the daycare attempted to cover up the incident by not reporting it to local law enforcement or the child’s mother. Instead, they called an “urgent meeting” with the mother, claiming that the toddler was crying for her. They claimed that her daughter left the daycare during nap time but only got to the edge of the daycare’s property. However, this claim has been refuted by multiple witnesses and the good Samaritans who found the child.

Afterward, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services investigated the daycare and discovered that two main doors were not locked and didn’t have an alarm system to monitor when doors opened and closed.  The complaint shares more details from the investigation report, stating that Stepping Stones Early Learning Center was cited for neglectful supervision and failing to prevent the incident. A second report stated that the daycare closed its doors voluntarily in June of 2023.

To read the whole filed complaint, click here.

How The Button Law Firm is Working to Hold Stepping Stones Early Learning Center Accountable

The daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm are committed to securing justice for Tompkins and her daughter after this wandering incident. With a track record of advocating for families in cases of daycare negligence and child-related injuries, our firm has taken on this case with determination. Russell Button, founder and a daycare injury attorney at The Button Law Firm, emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, stating, "What happened to this toddler is one of the most shocking cases of daycare negligence we have seen. Stepping Stones Early Learning Center failed a 3-year-old and her mom. The whole point of childcare is to have someone closely watch your child, and hard-working parents like Ms. Tompkins expect their toddlers to be supervised and protected from any harm."

The legal team at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to uncovering the truth surrounding this incident and holding Stepping Stones Early Learning Center accountable for its actions. Through this lawsuit on behalf of this mother and her daughter, our firm aims to secure recovery for damages incurred as a result of the daycare's negligence. By pursuing this case, The Button Law Firm demonstrates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in daycare settings across Texas.

About The Button Law Firm

The Button Law Firm is a Texas-based personal injury law firm that advocates for children and their families in meaningful litigation to make daycares in local communities safer. Our firm focuses on daycare and child-related injuries such as abuse and neglect cases, bottle warmer burns, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic injuries. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm helps families move forward across the Lone Star State.

Contacting The Button Law Firm After Your Child Suffers a Daycare Injury

If your child has experienced an injury or incident at a daycare facility due to negligence or inadequate supervision, it's crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. At The Button Law Firm, we are experienced in representing families affected by daycare injuries, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process. Our experienced team understands the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to hold negligent daycare centers accountable for their actions. Don't wait—reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing justice for your child. Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to fighting for their rights.

Our team is available 24/7 – you can reach out by giving us a call at (214)699-4409 or by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page. You can also talk to our team by starting a chat.

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