The #1 Chicago Daycare Injury Lawyer | Call (312) 313-2273

Meet Our Chicago Daycare Injury Lawyers

If you’re looking for a daycare accident lawyer in Chicago, TorHoerman Law may be able to help you.

Eric Terry leads our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers who take on daycare providers and other negligent parties for injuries suffered by children through no fault of their own.

Eric has been recognized for his thorough and dedicated advocacy he provides to families whose children have suffered physical abuse, emotional distress, and even sexual abuse in daycare facilities.

His leadership ensures that every client who comes into contact with our team receives personalized support and a legal strategy tailored to their unique circumstances.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a collaborative approach to handling personal injury cases centered on daycare abuse.

Rather than assigning a single daycare injury lawyer to your case, we bring together a team of experienced attorneys to address every aspect of your personal injury claim.

Our team of Chicago Child Injury Lawyers include:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed through no fault of their own.
• Jake Plattenberger: As a partner at TorHoerman Law, Jake Plattenberger leads the Chicago office with a focus on personal injury and complex litigation. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five cases to a jury.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. Chad deeply understands the medical ramifications of daycare accidents, allowing him to accurately assess damages and seek justice for victims.
• Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler uses his leadership skills and strong Chicago connections to secure the best outcomes for clients.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads TorHoerman Law’s intake and client support team. She makes certain that every client is well-informed and receives the support they need from their first interaction with the firm. Her dedication to clear communication and client care is a core part of the firm’s commitment to service.

Our Founder and Experienced Chicago Daycare Injury Lawyer: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, founder of TorHoerman Law, is an experienced attorney who has dedicated the past 25 years of his career to representing victims of personal injuries and corporate negligence.

Tor has been instrumental in securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients harmed through no fault of their own.

Tor’s legal career began after graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1995, where he initially worked in insurance defense before shifting to plaintiff representation.

In 2009, he established TorHoerman Law, focusing on advocating for individuals affected by negligence and corporate misconduct.

Under his leadership, the firm has grown to include offices in Chicago, Edwardsville, and St. Louis, providing comprehensive legal services to clients across Illinois and Missouri.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Chicago Child Injury Lawyer?

Hiring a Chicago child injury lawyer from TorHoerman Law costs nothing upfront because we work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for your case.

Our contingency approach ensures that families can access experienced legal representation without worrying about financial strain.

If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

This allows you to focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal process on your behalf.

Filing a Chicago Daycare Abuse Lawsuit

If you believe that you may qualify to file a lawsuit against daycare providers in Chicago IL, contact TorHoerman Law to discuss your legal options right away.

Our law firm offers a free consultation to all potential clients and will provide advice on any legal issue you’re dealing with.

Contact us for more information.

We’re here to make sure that negligent parties are held responsible, so that you can focus on the recovery of your injured child.

Steps to Take When a Child Suffers Injuries at a Daycare Center

When a child is injured at a daycare center, it’s essential to act quickly to protect their well-being and ensure accountability.

Taking the right steps can help address immediate concerns and provide critical evidence for a potential legal claim.

Steps to take after your child’s injury include:

1. Seek Medical Care: Ensure your child receives proper medical treatment, even if the injuries appear minor, to document the extent of harm.
2. Report the Incident: Notify the daycare center management and request a written incident report detailing what happened.
3. Document Evidence: Take photos of the injury, the location where it occurred, and any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
4. Collect Witness Information: Speak with staff or other parents who may have seen the incident and gather their contact information.
5. Request Medical Records: Keep all medical bills and treatment documentation related to your child’s injuries.
6. Consult a Daycare Injury Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and explore legal options for compensation.

Gathering Evidence for a Daycare Abuse Lawsuit

Gather evidence for your case including any involved names, photos, videos, and receipts.

The success of a child injury case often hinges on the availability and strength of evidence collected.

An experienced lawyer can help you gather and retain evidence relevant to your case.

Evidence in a daycare abuse lawsuit includes:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos or videos of injuries
• Photos or videos of abuse
• Photos or videos of the site of an accident
• Witness statements
• Statements from responding authorities if available

Your injury attorney will examine the facts and evidence to determine who is liable for injuries and damages.

Assessing Damages in a Personal Injury Claim Against a Daycare Provider

Your attorney will begin assessing damages that you or your children incurred as a result of the alleged abuse.

In many instances, individuals who have endured systematic abuse will choose to list both punitive damages and compensatory damages suffered from the incident.

Potential damages in a daycare abuse case may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment required for the child’s recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured by the child.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for the psychological impact of abuse or neglect, including anxiety, depression, or trauma.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for counseling or therapy to address emotional and mental health needs.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the child’s inability to engage in normal activities or development milestones due to injuries.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation aimed at punishing the daycare facility for gross negligence or intentional harm.
• Parental Loss of Income: Reimbursement for time missed from work while caring for the injured child.
• Future Care Needs: Costs associated with long-term care or specialized support if the injury results in permanent disabilities.

What if I Signed a Daycare Liability Waiver?

An accident occurred at the daycare and your child suffered an injury, but the next question in your mind is if the liability waiver you signed could prevent you and your family from receiving compensation for the accident.

Daycare liability waivers almost never hold any weight in a Chicago daycare negligence lawsuit.

Although many daycare facilities require parents to sign liability waivers, they do not legally exonerate daycare providers in the case of an accident or injury.

There have been multiple cases of a judge ruling that a liability waiver should not exempt a daycare or its employees from being held responsible for the accident.

In the eyes of the law, the daycare center or employee negligence caused the child to be injured or killed, and a piece of paper does not hold any weight in skirting that responsibility.

Do not let a liability waiver prevent you from filing a daycare accident lawsuit.

If you have any questions, your Chicago daycare negligence lawyer can help.

Common Injuries in a Daycare Accident

According to the Center for American Progress, “almost one-quarter (23.4 percent) of children under the age of five are in some form of organized child care arrangement, which includes daycare centers, nurseries, and preschools.”

With a large portion of the country’s children enrolled, daycare accidents are not uncommon.

Before putting your children in the care of another, cross-reference the names of daycares you’re contemplating with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services database.

It is also important to note that you should only place your children in a licensed and safe facility.

The State of Illinois has strict requirements for licensing daycares and preschools.

Licensed childcare facilities also do have a duty of care, or obligation, to prevent accidents from occurring and if they do happen, report those accidents immediately.

Daycare facilities are responsible for children’s safety, trusted by parents to provide the utmost care.

A child can easily be injured at a daycare facility because of employee negligence or failure to provide close supervision.

A child could also be injured by dangerous property, such as defective playground equipment or unsafe premises left unchanged.

Potential serious injuries suffered at daycare centers include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Dislocations
• Dental injuries
• Concussions
• Suffocation or choking injuries

How Do Daycare Injuries Occur?

Daycare injuries often happen when facilities fail to provide a safe environment or adequate supervision for children.

Negligence by daycare staff, unsafe equipment, or poorly maintained premises can put children at risk.

Many of these injuries are preventable and occur due to a lack of proper safety protocols or training.

Understanding the common causes of daycare injuries can help families recognize potential hazards and take appropriate action.

Common causes of daycare injuries include:

• Negligent supervision
• Unsafe or broken playground equipment
• Slippery floors or other hazardous conditions
• Failure to follow safety procedures
• Physical or verbal abuse by staff or other children
• Neglect of dietary or medical needs
• Overcrowded classrooms or inadequate staff-to-child ratios

Can You Sue for Emotional Abuse at a Daycare Facility?

Yes, you can sue a daycare facility for emotional abuse if the actions of staff members or the facility caused significant psychological harm to your child.

Emotional abuse may include verbal insults, threats, intimidation, or actions that isolate or degrade a child.

To file a lawsuit, you must provide evidence of the abuse and demonstrate the impact it has had on your child’s well-being.

An experienced daycare injury lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence and pursue compensation for the harm caused.

Sexual Abuse at Daycare Facilities

Daycare centers are unfortunately places where sexual abuse can occur.

The non-profit Darkness to Light published statistics on sexual abuse in daycare centers, finding that of daycare employees who were found to be exhibiting abusive or negligent conduct, 20% committed sexual abuse.

Liability for a Child's Injury

Determining liability for your child’s injuries is completely dependent on the specific situation.

Liability could be placed on a daycare employee failed to properly supervise your child.

Liability could be determined if a property owner did not keep up their premises, even with the knowledge that it could be potentially dangerous, and a child is injured because of the condition of the site.

There can even be more than one person held liable for the injury of a child, depending on the circumstances.

There is not always a clear-cut answer as to who, or what organization, will hold liability for the injury of a child, which is why it is important to discuss your case with a premises liability lawyer sooner rather than later.

A premises liability lawyer will be able to help determine the at-fault party in a particular case.

Can a School be Held Liable for Child Injuries?

In Illinois, liability cannot typically be placed on a school for any personal injury occurred on their property.

Public schools are generally immune to legal ramifications for any accident that injures a child on their property.

A public school cannot be held liable for an accident unless “willful and wanton misconduct” is found to have occurred.

Willful and wanton misconduct refers to “a course of action which shows an actual or deliberate intention to cause harm or which, if not intentional, shows an utter indifference to or conscious disregard for the safety of others or their property.”

If an accident occurred at a school because of negligent supervision, willful and wanton acts, your lawyer may have to file a notice of claim in order for the lawsuit to be legitimate.

Legal action against a public school, school district, or school employees can be complicated. Contact an attorney if your kid was injured on school property.

Hiring a Chicago Daycare Injury Lawyer

The legal process after a traumatic incident such as daycare abuse or negligence can be overwhelming for parents.

Choosing an experienced attorney to represent you, a family member, or a loved one can be an extra, unneeded stress.

Hiring a lawyer is an important decision to make as a parent, so you should go into it fully informed.

Making an informed decision on legal representation is paramount.

When hiring a lawyer, you should be able to focus on you and your loved one’s well-being and recovery from their injury, while lawyers work hard on your case and fight for your legal rights.

An experienced lawyer will be able to act on your behalf, doing the following:

• Determine liability
• Collect evidence showing that the daycare failed to provide adequate care
• Files a legal claim
• Deliberates with any insurance company involved
• Assesses your medical expenses and damages
• Ensures that you receive compensation for any injury or damages from the negligent party.

Your accident lawyers will fight for you and your rights.

At TorHoerman Law, that is our primary objective – fighting for you.

TorHoerman Law: The #1 Chicago Daycare Injury Lawyer

We’re not like other attorneys:

TorHoerman Law has achieved more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements in a variety of practice areas.

Our past results afford us recognition as some of the best lawyers in Illinois.

We have some of the best attorneys in the state staffed at our law firm.

A number of our attorneys being named Top Lawyers in Illinois including Top 100 Lawyers in the state of Illinois – prestigious awards given through nominations by their peers in the industry.

Our focus is based solely on providing competent services and formal legal advice, building an attorney client relationship, and achieving full financial recovery for any injury.

From the beginning, we’ve intended to form a strong attorney-client relationship.

This means you will be kept in the loop on your accident lawsuit, privacy will be afforded for confidential or sensitive information, and we will use our knowledge of the law to reach a settlement that will compensate for your child’s injury.

TorHoerman Law operates on a contingency fee basis.

With working on a contingency fee basis, our clients do not pay legal service fees until they have been fully compensated for their losses.

If you do not receive a settlement, our law firm will foot the bill for all legal costs.

Consider contacting TorHoerman Law for a free case evaluation in your search for a daycare accident lawyer in the Chicago area:

• Cook County
• Orland Park
• Tinley Park
• Lake County
• Dupage County
• Kane County
• And the other cities and counties listed below

TorHoerman Law – your personal injury attorneys and Illinois law experts.