Parents Sue Forney Daycare After Daughter Suffers Serious Foot Injury in Playground Incident
In a troubling case that highlights the importance of safety in childcare settings, a couple has filed a lawsuit against the Primrose School of Forney at Gateway, following a severe incident involving their six-year-old daughter. On July 24, 2024, the girl sustained serious foot fractures after a playground accident that the family asserts could have been easily avoided.
The parents, Austin Baxter and Amy Centeno, claim that their daughter was permitted to jump from a seven-foot-high playground railing, a decision that resulted in her breaking her foot in three separate places. Surveillance footage plays a crucial role in revealing that two caregivers present during the incident were inattentive: one sat with their back to the playground, while the other was engaged with an iPad, effectively neglecting their responsibility to supervise the children.
According to the lawsuit, it was another child who had to assist the injured girl to the caregivers, who were seated a considerable distance from where the incident occurred. "Our daughter was seriously hurt and left unattended in pain," stated Amy Centeno, expressing the distress of parents who trust daycare centers for the safety of their children. "No parent should have to question whether their child is being monitored adequately in a daycare environment."
Furthermore, the complaint alleges that the daycare attempted to obscure the events surrounding the accident. Statements provided by the caregivers reportedly contradicted those of the children who witnessed the fall, with multiple kids asserting that no warnings were issued regarding the dangers of jumping from the railing. Alarmingly, the caregivers also altered their accounts when questioned, raising further doubts about their reliability and care practices.
An independent investigation was conducted by state authorities, leading to the Primrose School of Forney being cited for five distinct safety violations. These violations, according to legal professionals involved in the case, underscore a significant lapse in care and a disregard for established childcare regulations. Russell Button, the attorney representing the family, emphasized, "Our clients entrusted Primrose School of Forney with their daughter's safety, a trust that has now been irreparably damaged. Children deserve vigilant and responsible care; this unfortunate incident was a direct result of systemic failures in supervision and accountability at the daycare center."
The case, listed as Austin Baxter and Amy Centeno, individually and as parents of S.B., a minor child vs. MSBR Operations, LLC d/b/a Primrose School of Forney at Gateway, will be adjudicated in the District Court of Dallas County, Texas. The lawsuit aims not only for restitution for the injuries suffered but also serves as a broader call for enhanced safety protocols in childcare facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Button Law Firm, known for its focus on personal injury cases pertaining to children, advocates fiercely for families affected by unsafe daycare practices, aiming to hold negligent entities accountable and make improvements that ensure a safer environment for every child in Texas. The firm operates from multiple locations across the state, including Dallas, Houston, and Midland, providing a steadfast support system for families in distress.
This case raises important questions regarding the responsibilities of daycare providers and the measures they must uphold to protect the well-being of children under their care. As this lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder to parents about the significance of vigilance in childcare settings and could herald changes in regulations to ensure stringent safety measures are enforced across all daycare centers.