St. Louis Daycare & Child Neglect Lawyer
The Midwest's Most Effective Injury Law Firm
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- October 7, 2024
If your child was injured, abused, or fatally harmed by a daycare center or childcare provider, a personal injury attorney can help you build a strong claim to recover damages and hold the liable party accountable.
To get started with your case, call our St. Louis law office at (314) 501-9510 or request a free case evaluation online. Our attorneys have helped clients recover over $1 billion in compensation, and can help you determine if you’re eligible to take legal action and recover financial compensation for damages.
Common Trauma Following Daycare-related Injuries
Each child who has experienced neglect or abuse will react to the trauma differently. While the damage can be lasting and severe, it is possible for the child to heal and have a healthy childhood. In these situations, the most important thing a parent or guardian can do is to support and guide the child through the recovery process. As a parent or guardian, you may notice the following signs in a child:
- Unexplained Injuries: Scrapes, bruises, burns, or cuts that the child cannot explain or that don’t match the explanation given.
- Unexplained Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause.
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden aggression, withdrawal, or extreme mood swings.
- Difficulty Trusting: Reluctance to form relationships or an unusual fear of adults.
Recognizing these signs can be crucial in providing the necessary support and intervention for a child’s recovery.
Recoverable Damages For Daycare Injuries And Abuse
In a daycare injury or abuse lawsuit, the following types of damages may be recovered:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and any ongoing treatment or therapy.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the child as a result of the injury or abuse.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact on the child and the family, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the impact on the child’s ability to enjoy activities they previously engaged in or other aspects of their life.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation if the injury results in long-term disability or permanent disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the daycare and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Loss of Future Earnings: If the injury has long-term effects that could impact the child’s ability to earn a living in the future, compensation for this potential loss may be awarded.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for any other expenses incurred due to the injury, such as transportation costs for medical appointments or special care equipment.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If the injury results in the child’s death, the family may recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.
Each case is unique, and the specific damages recoverable will depend on the circumstances and severity of the injury or abuse.
Missouri Child Care Rules, Laws, And Regulations
In St. Louis and throughout the state of Missouri, daycare centers and child care providers are legally required to uphold certain standards of care, levels of supervision, and follow other regulatory compliance guidelines to ensure the safety of children.
1. Missouri Revised Statutes (210.201-210.259)
- Licensing Requirement: Child care providers must be licensed unless specifically exempted.
- Inspections: Facilities must be inspected regularly to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- Staff Qualifications: Providers must meet certain training and educational requirements.
- Facility Requirements: Centers must maintain safe, clean, and adequate facilities for child care.
For more information, see Missouri Revised Statutes section 210.201-210.259.
2. Missouri Revised Statutes (210.1080)
- Safe Sleep Practices: Mandates specific safe sleep practices for infants, including placing them on their backs to sleep, using a firm mattress, and avoiding soft bedding to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
For more information, see Missouri Revised Statutes section 210.1080.
3. 5 CSR 25-300: License-Exempt Child Care Facilities
- Exemption Criteria: Specifies which child care operations are exempt from licensing, such as religious-based care or care provided by family members.
- Minimum Standards: Even exempt facilities must adhere to minimum health, safety, and fire standards.
For more information, see License-Exempt Child Care Facilities.
4. 5 CSR 25-400: Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Homes
- Capacity Limits: Sets the maximum number of children a family child care home can serve based on the number of caregivers.
- Caregiver Requirements: Caregivers must complete approved training and maintain up-to-date certifications.
- Safety Standards: Homes must meet basic safety, sanitation, and health standards, including secure storage of hazardous materials.
For more information, see Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Homes.
5. 5 CSR 25-500: Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers
- Staff-to-Child Ratios: Establishes required staff-to-child ratios depending on the age group.
- Facility Requirements: Details requirements for indoor and outdoor space, equipment, and emergency preparedness.
- Health and Nutrition: Sets standards for food service, hygiene practices, and overall health care of children.
For more information, see Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers.
6. 5 CSR 25-600: Child Care Comprehensive Background Screening
- Background Checks: Requires comprehensive background checks for all staff and volunteers, including fingerprinting and checks against sex offender and child abuse registries.
- Disqualification Criteria: Lists offenses that would disqualify an individual from working in a child care facility.
For more information, see Child Care Comprehensive Background Screening.
These regulations ensure that child care centers in Missouri operate safely, maintain proper standards, and provide a nurturing environment for children. Daycare centers that are found to be in violation of the laws and regulations above, or those that are found to have been negligent in their actions, may be held liable for damages.
Get Help With A Daycare Injury Claim From Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
If your child has been injured as a result of a negligent daycare center, get help from the attorneys at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm. Our lawyers can help you recover compensation for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other associated economic and non-economic damages that may have resulted from the accident.
Getting started with your case is easy. Call (314) 501-9510 or request a free case evaluation online. Our daycare injury lawyers can help determine if you’re eligible to recover compensation, build a strong claim, and hold the liable daycare center accountable for their actions.
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- Last Modified:
- October 7, 2024
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