Understanding the Two Types of Legal Cases After a Daycare Injury
When a child is hurt at daycare due to abuse or neglect, it’s not just heartbreaking—it’s a serious legal matter. At The Button Law Firm, our daycare injury lawyer team often speaks with parents who are overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. One of the first things we explain is that there are typically two types of legal cases that may follow:
Criminal vs. Civil: What’s the Difference?
1. Criminal Case Against the Caregiver
If a daycare worker physically or sexually abuses a child, there may be a criminal case. These cases are handled by local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. They decide whether criminal charges will be filed based on their investigation. If charges are brought, they can result in penalties like jail time, probation, or other forms of punishment for the caregiver.
Parents often ask us if the person who hurt their child will be criminally prosecuted. While we can’t control that part of the process, we can help guide families through what to expect and provide support along the way.
2. Civil Case Against the Daycare
Separately, there’s the civil side of the legal system, where families can pursue justice directly against the daycare facility, its owners, or other responsible parties. A civil case doesn’t involve criminal charges. Instead, it focuses on holding the daycare accountable for the harm their negligence caused—and getting the family compensation for the damages.
This is where a daycare injury attorney comes in. Our role is representing families in civil lawsuits and fighting for the justice they deserve.
What Can Be Recovered in a Civil Case?
In a daycare injury lawsuit, families may be eligible to recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Pain and suffering
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Mental anguish
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Loss of future earning capacity
These damages are meant to help your child and your family heal, move forward, and find a sense of closure after a traumatic experience.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Understands Both Systems
Civil and criminal cases often unfold simultaneously, but are entirely separate processes. Working with a daycare injury lawyer who understands how both systems operate and can help your family navigate each step is critical. That’s exactly what we do here at The Button Law Firm.
Get the Answers and Justice Your Child Deserves
If your child was hurt at daycare, you need answers—and you deserve justice. The actions you take right now can make a huge difference in your child’s future and in holding the daycare accountable for what happened.
Our team at The Button Law Firm is here to guide you through every step. We’ve handled cases involving abuse, neglect, and mistreatment in daycare settings, and we know how to fight for families like yours.
Call us today or fill out our contact form to speak with our legal team. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps forward with confidence. Your child’s safety and your family’s peace of mind are too important to wait.
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