How a Daycare’s Negligence Left a Toddler with a Broken Leg—and a Family Fighting to Move Forward
For one Texas family, what should have been a normal day at daycare turned into a life-altering experience. A 21-month-old child was seriously injured after falling from playground equipment that wasn’t designed for toddlers, an incident that revealed a troubling pattern of negligence at the childcare facility.
At The Button Law Firm, we see these types of preventable injuries far too often. But this case stood out—not just because of the severity of the child’s injury, but because it was entirely avoidable.
A Lack of Supervision with Serious Consequences
According to state guidelines, toddler-aged children must be supervised at a ratio of no more than four kids per one caregiver. These rules exist to prevent exactly the kind of scenario that unfolded in this case: too many kids, not enough adults, and no one closely monitoring what was happening on the playground.
The daycare center involved in this case had exceeded those ratios. Overwhelmed caregivers allowed a 21-month-old child to access a play structure that was designed for older children. As the toddler tried to climb a ladder to the slide, their leg became trapped between two bars. The child lost balance and fell, snapping their femur, the largest and strongest bone in the human body.
Emergency surgery was needed to repair the fracture. Doctors placed the child in a hip-to-toe cast, which stayed on for several weeks during the summer months. Sleeping was difficult, mobility was limited, and the discomfort was constant. Even after the cast was removed, the child walked with a limp.
The Ripple Effect on the Family
Behind every injured child is a family trying to cope, and in this case, that meant a single mother who suddenly found herself unable to work. Terrified of sending her child back to daycare, she made the difficult decision to resign from her job and care for her toddler full-time.
The emotional toll was heavy. Eventually, the mother could return to work, but only after enrolling her child in a new, more reputable daycare center—a leap of faith that no parent should have to make to feel their child is safe.
Accountability Matters
After the incident, the state cited the daycare center for failing to meet required safety standards. But citations alone don’t fix what happened or prevent it from happening again.
That’s why this family took action.
At The Button Law Firm, we helped them hold the daycare accountable for the safety failures that led to their child’s injury. Through the legal process, we helped uncover the truth and make sure the daycare’s violations were brought to light. Most importantly, the case led to changes that allowed the family to begin healing and ensured the daycare was forced to answer for its negligence.
This case reminds us that when daycares cut corners, children suffer, and families have every right to demand better.
Protecting Other Families from the Same Harm
This case highlights the very real dangers of lax supervision and disregard for safety protocols in childcare settings. Unfortunately, these issues are more common than many parents realize.
That’s why we continue to share stories like this one, not to scare families but to educate and empower them.
If your child has been injured on a playground at daycare and you suspect negligence played a role, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next step forward.
If Your Child Was Hurt at Daycare, We’re Here to Help
The Button Law Firm helps parents across Texas hold negligent daycare centers accountable and fight for the justice their children deserve. Contact us today by calling us at 214-699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation. And if you’re not quite ready to reach out, download our free 5-step guide on what to do after a daycare injury—it’s full of helpful info to support you as you figure out what’s next. No matter where you are in the process, we’re here to keep your family moving forward.
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