get your free consultation
When parents entrust their children to daycare centers, they expect the highest standard of care and safety. Unfortunately, incidents of negligence occur, sometimes resulting in injuries or even fatalities. Daycare negligence settlement amounts vary considerably. That’s why, at Goldblatt + Singer, we strive to educate families about their rights and help them pursue fair compensation when daycare negligence harms their children.
Daycare negligence encompasses a wide range of actions or inactions that breach the standard of care parents expect their children to receive. Common forms include:
What can you sue a daycare for? Families may have the legal option to recover compensation and hold a daycare facility accountable when one of these negligences harms a child.
The value of daycare negligence settlements depends on various factors:
While every case is unique, examining some recent settlements can provide valuable insight into potential compensation amounts.
A South Carolina childcare center faced severe consequences in 2024 when their alleged failure to follow safe sleep guidelines resulted in an infant’s death. The family pursued legal action and secured a staggering $16 million settlement, underscoring the gravity of the incident and the facility’s apparent disregard for crucial safety measures.
In 2021, a harrowing incident unfolded at a New York daycare when a 7-year-old child experienced a choking episode, leading to brain damage. The mother’s legal pursuit culminated in a $475,000 settlement, illustrating the substantial financial implications that can arise from life-changing injuries in childcare settings.
A 2018 case in Washington state shed light on the power of staff corroboration in daycare negligence claims. Employees stepped forward to confirm children’s reports of mistreatment and isolation, lending credence to the allegations. Their testimony played a pivotal role in the facility agreeing to a $1.3 million settlement, highlighting how insider accounts can bolster cases against negligent childcare providers.
These examples illustrate the wide range of potential settlements, potentially into the millions of dollars, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Settlements typically aim to compensate families for various types of losses, with payments coming in the form of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover tangible, quantifiable losses resulting from the negligence. These may include:
Calculating economic damages involves gathering medical bills, pay stubs, and expert testimony to project future costs related to the child’s care and treatment.
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses suffered by the child and family. These may encompass:
Quantifying non-economic damages proves more challenging, often requiring skilled legal representation to articulate the full impact of the negligence on the child and their family.
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the daycare facility and deter similar behavior in the future. While punitive damages can significantly increase a settlement amount, they remain relatively rare in daycare negligence cases.
Families facing the nightmare of daycare negligence need and deserve robust legal representation as they pursue a claim against a negligent provider. A St. Louis daycare injury lawyer can:
Clear evidence of the daycare’s negligence strengthens the family’s negotiation position for a daycare negligence settlement amount. This evidence may include:
Other factors can also have an impact on settlement negotiations, potentially affecting both the length of time it takes to resolve a claim and the settlement amount:
The emotional impact of a child’s injury can play a role in negotiations and potential jury decisions. Skilled attorneys present compelling narratives that humanize victims and illustrate the full extent of their suffering.
The daycare’s insurance coverage limits and financial situation can affect settlement amounts. Larger chains or well-insured facilities may have more settlement resources than small, independent daycares.
Some jurisdictions have reputations for being more plaintiff-friendly or for awarding higher damages. Attorneys familiar with local court tendencies can leverage this knowledge in negotiations.
If necessary, the family’s resolve to take the case to trial can influence settlement offers. Insurance companies may offer higher settlements to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a trial.
If your family has been affected by negligence at a daycare facility, you and your child deserve the support you need to hold the providers accountable. While a settlement can provide the financial recovery your family needs, you also deserve the acknowledgment that your child’s well-being is paramount.
At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve served St. Louisans for 75 years by providing attentive and aggressive support to injury victims, including those harmed by negligent daycare providers. Our dedicated team will evaluate your case and explain your rights. Our law firm will fight tirelessly to help you secure the compensation your family deserves while you focus on your child’s healing and recovery. Contact us today at (314) 231-4100 for a free consultation.