Confidential six figure settlement reached after toddler abused in Daycare Facility

A significant legal settlement of over half a million dollars was obtained by Ashley Mitchell following the traumatic events experienced by a toddler at a local daycare in Kennesaw, Georgia. Young B.A. (initials used for the minor’s privacy) was abused on her first day of daycare by a teacher with a significant history of abusing children. 

What Happened?

In 2024, B.A.’s family enrolled her in daycare at a Kennesaw location of a national daycare chain. B.A.’s family did everything right; they diligently researched childcare facilities in the area, met with location’s director at length to discuss the childcare center, and ensured the location had working surveillance cameras. Little did B.A.’s parents know their daughter would be placed in the room with a dangerous teacher with a history of roughly handling children. B.A. was abused for several minutes by her teacher, which resulted in B.A. needing emergency medical care at Wellstar Kennestone. Her teacher at the daycare was arrested and charge with child cruelty. 

What Did Ashley Do To Help?

Ashley immediately began investigating the daycare’s history, the maltreater, and the hiring practices of the daycare. Although B.A.’s teacher did not have a criminal record, she had been fired and written up at other daycare jobs for using inappropriate discipline against children. Ashley discovered two ex-employees who established the maltreater had been known to roughly handle infants at the same daycare. Ashley also discovered another parent who witnesses first-hand the maltreater roughly handling a small child. The parent had reported the incident to management, who did not take action. Through collecting information from other daycares and state entities, Ashley was able to prove the abusive teacher had been fired from a prior daycare and had a long history of similar conduct. In short, B.A.’s teacher should have never been allowed to care for B.A. or other vulnerable children. All of these facts added to the complete history of the negligent hiring and retention practices of the national childcare company and made the potential imposition for punitive damages very real for the defendants.

What Result Did Ashley Obtain For B.A.’s Family?

Ashley was ultimately able to obtain a settlement for B.A.’s family that went above and beyond covering her medical bills and potential future medical needs. The settlement was over 40 times the medical bills and expenses B.A. had as a result of the abusive incident. This result allowed her family to pay for an in-home nanny to care for B.A. to make sure she developed strong, healthy attachments to non-family caregivers and overcame her traumatic experience. Today, B.A. has fully physically recovered and has returned to the happy and trusting personality she had before the incident.

Why Is Hiring An Attorney With Experience In Daycare Abuse Important?

If your child is injured due to negligence or abuse at a childcare facility, they may be entitled to compensation. Children have the same rights as adults when it comes to personal injuries. However, there are certain deadlines that apply to your child’s claim that can be lost forever if not acted on swiftly. It is important to work with an experienced child injury attorney who understands early childhood development and pediatric medicine. 

An attorney can work with you to determine the best course of legal action after your child’s injury. They will help to hold all liable parties accountable for their wrongdoing. These events can cause lifelong physical or mental health problems. Without the help of an attorney, you might not receive everything you need to address your child’s injuries and medical needs. If your child was injured at a childcare facility, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.