SAN ANTONIO, Texas - In a powerful article by Emily Hernandez, Austin Trending Reporter for My San Antonio (MySA), the distressing case of an Austin mother suing The Children’s Courtyard daycare has captured significant public attention. Our team at The Button Law Firm, known for our advocacy in daycare injury cases, represents the family, emphasizing the importance of accountability and child safety.
MySA's In-Depth Coverage – What Happened at This Central Texas Daycare?
MySA's detailed feature sheds light on the troubling incident where a daycare staff member abused Alexis Dominguez’s toddler. On July 9, 2024, Dominguez's husband witnessed the staff member smothering their child with a blanket and repeatedly slapping his head and face through the daycare’s live surveillance feed. This coverage by a major local publication underscores the gravity of the lawsuit and the broader implications for childcare safety in Austin.
The Incident and Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit filed on July 2, 2024, the incident occurred in July 2023 at The Children’s Courtyard, located off West William Cannon Drive. After witnessing the abuse, Dominguez’s husband immediately left work to report the incident to the daycare. The lawsuit claims that The Children’s Courtyard failed to comply with state laws by not filing a local or state police report instead of suspending the employee for only one day before allowing her to return to work. This inadequate response highlights the daycare's negligence, a point emphasized in MySA's reporting.
The Button Law Firm’s Role in Getting Justice for This Texas Family
Russell Button, a daycare injury attorney at The Button Law Firm, shared more with MySA, highlighting the emotional distress experienced by the family and their pursuit of justice. “Watching their son's caregivers harm him via the surveillance live feed was deeply distressing for our clients. This family is not greedy, but they want to send the message that physically abusing a child is never acceptable,” Button told MySA. "This lawsuit aims to hold The Children’s Courtyard accountable and prevent abusive practices from victimizing other children in the community."
Historical Context and Broader Implications – A Pattern of Negligence and Abuse
MySA's feature also delves into The Children’s Courtyard's history of violations and abuse claims. The Austin lawsuit is not an isolated incident; similar cases have been reported at other locations. Earlier this year, a New Braunfels mother sued another location for neglect after her son suffered a seizure, highlighting a pattern of repeated violations. In 2017, a Plano location was scrutinized after an employee was recorded slamming an 18-month-old child to the ground.
Violations and Investigations at The Children’s Courtyard Austin
MySA's comprehensive coverage details the findings of an independent investigation by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The investigation cited the Austin daycare for five violations related to the incident, including physical abuse of a child, using prohibited punishment tactics, and failing to report the incident. Furthermore, the lawsuit notes 56 other safety violations from June 2019 to May 2024, raising serious concerns about the daycare’s commitment to child safety.
The Family’s Reaction After Their Son Suffered Daycare Abuse
The child’s mother, in a news release covered by MySA, expressed her heartbreak and frustration, stating, “Clearly, The Children's Courtyard did not value my son's safety or express concern for his well-being. Anyone with basic common sense understands that smothering and hitting a child is completely unacceptable. Everything was on camera.”
The MySA feature has amplified public outrage and the call for accountability. The Button Law Firm's involvement, highlighted by MySA, underscores their dedication to advocating for daycare negligence and abuse victims, ensuring that such incidents are brought to light and perpetrators are held responsible.
Contact The Button Law Firm for Help After a Daycare Injury
If your child has been injured due to daycare negligence, The Button Law Firm is here to provide the guidance and support you need. Our experienced team of daycare injury attorneys is committed to fighting for justice for families affected by daycare negligence.
For a free and confidential case evaluation, call us at 214-699-4409, chat with us, or fill out our contact form. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your family’s rights are protected.