The #1 St. Louis Daycare Injury Lawyer

Daycare accidents and child injuries are a parent’s worst nightmare.

Eric Terry, who leads our Daycare Injury Legal Team, deeply understands the serious impact these incidents have on families and brings a focused, compassionate approach to each case.

Eric and our team are dedicated to holding daycare facilities accountable for failures in supervision, unsafe conditions, and other forms of negligence that put children at risk.

With extensive experience in personal injury law, we handle every case with thorough attention to detail, working to gather essential evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case for fair compensation.

Our firm prioritizes open communication, keeping families informed and empowered throughout the process, and we’re always ready to address any questions or concerns.

We strive to protect children’s rights and advocate for their safety.

If your family is facing the aftermath of a daycare injury, our team is here to support you in seeking answers and accountability.

Other daycare injury lawyers that work with Eric include:

• Steve Davis
• Ken Brennan
• Chad Finley
• Tyler Schneider
• Alexis Robinson

Our Founder: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, the founder of TorHoerman Law, is a dedicated attorney with decades of experience advocating for individuals affected by negligence and corporate wrongdoing.

Known for his client-focused approach, Tor has built a law firm centered on compassionate representation and refined legal strategy.

His career includes significant achievements in mass tort and personal injury litigation, where he has secured substantial settlements and verdicts for clients who have faced serious harm.

Tor’s leadership has shaped the firm’s commitment to excellence, setting a high standard for thorough preparation and attention to detail in every case.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Tor is committed to fostering a supportive, knowledgeable team, empowering attorneys and staff to provide meaningful advocacy.

He remains actively involved in each case, guiding the firm’s approach to justice with empathy and professionalism.

Tor’s work reflects a deep dedication to improving the lives of his clients and the communities he serves.

If your child’s injury was caused by daycare neglect, negligent supervision, or other wrongful actions, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim.

Contact a Daycare Injury Attorney from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation to find out if you qualify for legal action.

Use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and for an instant case evaluation.

Missouri has specific laws designed to protect children in daycare settings, requiring facilities to meet strict standards for safety, supervision, and staff qualifications.

Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 210, licensed daycare providers must follow health and safety protocols that address staffing ratios, facility conditions, and emergency preparedness.

When these standards aren’t met and a child suffers harm as a result, families may be eligible to file a daycare injury claim to hold the facility accountable.

The legal process for pursuing a claim in St. Louis involves gathering evidence of negligence, proving the link between the daycare’s actions and the child’s injury, and understanding the requirements of Missouri’s personal injury laws.

Working with an attorney experienced in daycare injury cases ensures that the legal process is followed correctly and increases the likelihood of securing fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and related damages.

The general process for legal action related to daycare injuries and abuse is as follows:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: The process begins with a free consultation where a daycare injury attorney reviews the incident details, evaluates the potential for negligence, and explains your legal options under Missouri law.
2. Evidence Collection and Investigation: Attorneys gather evidence, including witness statements, facility inspection records, medical records, and any surveillance footage, to establish the facility’s failure to provide a safe environment as required by state regulations.
3. Filing the Claim: The attorney will formally file a claim in a Missouri court, detailing how the daycare facility breached its duty of care. This includes citing specific regulations under Missouri law that were allegedly violated, contributing to the injury.
4. Discovery Phase: During discovery, both parties exchange evidence and documents related to the case. This phase may include depositions of daycare staff, examination of facility policies, and reviews of safety records that could indicate patterns of negligence.
5. Negotiation or Trial: Many daycare injury cases are resolved through negotiation, where both sides agree on a fair settlement amount. If a settlement can’t be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome based on the presented evidence.

Each step in this process adheres to Missouri’s legal standards for personal injury cases and daycare regulations, which prioritize children’s rights and safety.

What if I Signed a Daycare Liability Waiver?

An accident occurred at the daycare center 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 St Louis daycare negligence lawsuit.

Although many daycares require parents to sign liability waivers, they do not legally exonerate a daycare provider in the case of daycare accidents or injuries.

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 child’s 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 lawsuit.

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

When a daycare facility’s negligence leads to your child’s injury, taking the right steps can help protect their well-being and strengthen any potential legal claims.

Documenting details of the injury and reporting the incident promptly are essential actions that can clarify what happened and hold the daycare accountable.

Consulting an attorney experienced in daycare injury cases can provide valuable guidance on your legal options and help you seek fair compensation.

Following these steps ensures your child’s rights are protected and may prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

Steps to take after your child has suffered an injury due to daycare neglect, abuse, or negligent supervision include:

• Seek Medical Care Immediately: Have a medical professional assess your child’s injuries as soon as possible. Medical records of the injury will be crucial for treatment and any potential legal claims.
• Document the Incident: Take notes on the details of the injury, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses. Photos of the injury and the daycare environment where it occurred can also be helpful.
• Report the Incident to the Daycare: Notify the daycare center’s management about the incident in writing, and request a copy of their report. This formal report can serve as evidence of the daycare’s response and actions taken.
• Collect Witness Statements: If other parents, children, or daycare staff members witnessed the incident, ask if they would be willing to provide statements about what they saw.
• Request Inspection and Licensing Records: Obtain the daycare’s inspection and licensing records from your state’s Department of Health and Human Services or other regulatory body. Past violations or safety issues can support claims of negligence.
• Consult a Daycare Injury Attorney: An attorney experienced in daycare injury cases can advise you on the strength of your claim, help gather evidence, and represent you in any legal actions against the daycare center.

Taking these steps can help protect your child’s rights and make sure that negligent daycare facilities are held accountable.

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.

Daycare facilities are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for children, but accidents can still occur due to various factors, including inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment, or poorly trained staff.

When these injuries result from preventable causes, families may have grounds for a legal claim.

Understanding the types and causes of common daycare injuries helps parents identify risks and take action to protect their children’s safety.

Injuries in daycare settings can vary from minor incidents to severe harm, often depending on the age of the children, facility standards, and the training of caregivers.

Common daycare injuries and their causes include:

• Falls and Head Injuries: Falls are one of the most common daycare injuries, often occurring due to inadequate supervision, slippery floors, or improperly maintained playground equipment. Head injuries from falls can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, especially for younger children who are more prone to losing balance.
• Choking and Ingestion of Harmful Objects: Young children are naturally curious and may place objects in their mouths. Choking hazards are common in daycare settings that don’t adhere to proper safety measures, such as keeping small toys, coins, or other objects out of reach. Ingestion of toxic substances, like cleaning supplies left unattended, also poses serious health risks.
• Burns: Burns can occur from exposure to hot surfaces, foods, or liquids. Daycares that do not secure kitchen areas, hot water faucets, or radiators properly put children at risk. Burns may also result from sun exposure if children are left outside without sunscreen or shade.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises: These injuries often result from sharp objects, broken toys, or furniture with exposed edges. Facilities that don’t regularly inspect and repair their equipment or furniture may be held responsible if these items cause injury to children.
• Sprains and Broken Bones: Rough play, lack of supervision, or overcrowded play areas can lead to sprains or fractures. Climbing structures, slides, and other playground equipment, if not age-appropriate or properly supervised, increase the risk of falls and impact injuries.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions may happen if daycare staff fails to monitor children’s food allergies or do not have emergency plans in place. Cross-contamination, accidental ingestion of allergens, and inadequate response to an allergic reaction can lead to serious medical emergencies.
• Drowning or Near-Drowning Incidents: If a daycare has a pool or nearby water source, strict supervision and safety measures are essential. Drowning incidents, even in small amounts of water, can occur if children are left unsupervised or barriers are not adequately secured.
• Infectious Diseases and Poor Hygiene-Related Illnesses: Inadequate hygiene practices, such as failing to wash hands, clean toys, or sanitize surfaces, can spread infections quickly among children. This can lead to illnesses ranging from colds and flu to more severe infections, especially in environments that don’t adhere to strict health protocols.

Sexual Abuse at Daycare Facilities

Daycares are unfortunately places where sexual abuse can occur.

Sexual abuse in daycare settings is a severe violation of trust, often involving inappropriate contact or behavior by staff or other individuals in the facility.

Warning signs may include sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal, or physical symptoms.

It is essential for daycare providers to implement strict background checks and monitoring procedures to protect children from such harm.

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

Other Forms of Daycare Abuse and Daycare Related Injuries

Daycare facilities are expected to provide a secure and nurturing environment, but some forms of abuse and injury go beyond the typical accidents associated with childcare settings.

Unfortunately, certain types of harm—such as sexual abuse, extreme disciplinary actions, or other forms of maltreatment—occur in daycare environments and pose serious risks to children’s physical and emotional health.

Awareness of these risks allows families to be vigilant about any signs of inappropriate behavior or injury.

Other forms of daycare abuse and injuries include:

• Outdoor and Playground Injuries: While playgrounds can foster physical development, improper equipment maintenance, lack of supervision, or hazardous surfaces significantly increase the risk of serious injuries, such as fractures or head injuries. Safety measures like padding under equipment and age-appropriate structures are critical to prevent these injuries.
• Excessive or Inappropriate Discipline: Some facilities may use inappropriate disciplinary methods, such as physical restraint, isolation, or even verbal abuse, which can cause both physical and emotional harm to children. Daycare centers must follow state guidelines on discipline, ensuring that any actions taken are safe, age-appropriate, and do not cause undue stress or harm to children.
• Verbal and Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse may involve yelling, intimidation, shaming, or other negative interactions that impact a child’s sense of security. Such treatment can lead to anxiety, behavioral changes, and long-term emotional effects, making it vital for daycare staff to provide positive reinforcement and compassionate care.
• Unsafe Transportation Incidents: Injuries can occur during daycare-provided transportation if proper safety precautions, such as using child-appropriate car seats, are not followed. Children may also be left unsupervised in daycare vans or buses, leading to tragic incidents of heat exposure or abduction risks.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Daycare facilities sometimes fail to properly secure toxic substances, such as cleaning agents, which can lead to accidental poisoning if children gain access to these materials. Proper storage and regular facility inspections help prevent these dangerous exposures.

Each of these issues highlights the importance of rigorous safety practices and vigilant supervision in daycare settings.

Families concerned about these or any other forms of abuse or injury should consult with a lawyer to understand their options for safeguarding their children’s rights and seeking accountability from responsible parties.

Daycare Injuries in St. Louis

In 2012, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported in a four-year study of daycare facilities that 41 of 45 deaths in child care occurred in unlicensed homes and facilities.

In March 2019, two St. Louis employees were charged with child abuse for incidents that were caught on tape.

In one incident, one woman was recorded throwing a three-year-old across a room.

In the other incident, another employee was charged with abuse after injuring a 4-year-old.

Both incidents occurred at Brighter Daycare and Preschool.

Our St. Louis Daycare Injury Lawyers help parents through the entire legal process, from gathering evidence and building a strong case to recovering financial compensation and achieving justice.

We work closely with families to document injuries, investigate facility records, and consult experts who can testify on childcare standards and safety requirements.

By handling the process of negotiations and trial preparation, our attorneys allow parents to focus on their child’s recovery while we pursue accountability for any harm caused.

We deeply understand Missouri’s specific daycare regulations and liability laws to build a compelling case aimed at preventing future incidents and protecting children’s rights.

Our St Louis Daycare Injury Lawyers help parents hold child care facilities accountable by:

• Determining Liability: Investigating the incident thoroughly to identify all responsible parties, including staff members, facility management, or third-party contractors, if applicable.
• Gathering Evidence and Documentation: Collecting witness statements, medical records, facility inspection reports, and any other relevant documentation to build a comprehensive case.
• Consulting with Expert Witnesses: Working with childcare and safety experts to provide testimony on proper daycare standards and how the facility may have failed to meet these standards.
• Managing the Legal Process from Start to Finish: Handling all aspects of the lawsuit, including filing necessary paperwork, conducting depositions, and navigating court procedures, so parents can focus on their child’s recovery.
• Seeking Financial Compensation from the Insurance Company of the Daycare Facility: Negotiating directly with insurers to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the incident.
• Pursuing Justice through Trial if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking the case to trial to seek maximum compensation and accountability for the daycare’s negligence.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a St Louis Daycare Abuse Lawyer?

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we DO NOT charge for legal representation unless

A Child Injury Lawyer from THL costs nothing to hire up-front.

This arrangement allows families to pursue justice and hire legal representation without worrying about immediate fees, making it easier to hold negligent daycare facilities accountable.

Our team only receives payment once a settlement or court award is obtained, aligning our commitment to achieving a successful outcome with your family’s best interests.

Daycare abuse and injuries can have profound effects on children and their families, causing not only physical harm but also long-lasting emotional trauma.

Families place their trust in these facilities to care for their children safely, and a violation of this trust can be deeply distressing.

A lawyer experienced in daycare injury cases provides crucial support to families by helping them recover compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages, allowing parents to focus on their child’s healing and well-being.

If your child suffered a serious injury while under the supervision of a daycare center, contact our law firm today.

Reach out to us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out instantly if you qualify for legal action against a daycare provider.

Our law firm will work with you to seek justice for your child’s accident and related injuries, compiling evidence to build a case and assessing associated costs, such as medical bills, to pursue compensation.

Gathering Evidence of Daycare Abuse or Injuries

Evidence is crucial in a personal injury case, as it forms the foundation for proving negligence on the part of the liable party.

The strength of the evidence can determine the success of a case, influencing both the likelihood of a favorable settlement and the amount of compensation awarded.

In daycare abuse or injury cases, thorough evidence gathering is essential to demonstrate the daycare facility’s failure to provide a safe environment and the impact this has had on the child.

Possible evidence in daycare injury cases include:

• Medical treatment records
• Photos and videos of visible injuries, poor conditions within the daycare center, or dangerous equipment
• Witness statements
• Incident and accident reports
• Inspection and licensing records
• Expert testimony

Damages in Daycare Injury Claims

In legal terms, “damages” refer to the financial compensation awarded to a victim or their family as a remedy for harm suffered due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing.

In daycare injury claims, damages are intended to address the various ways in which a child and their family have been impacted, both financially and emotionally, by the incident.

Compensation can cover a wide range of costs, from immediate medical expenses to the more intangible aspects of pain and suffering.

Thoroughly assessing damages helps increase the chances that families receive fair and adequate compensation for the full extent of harm caused.

Potential damages in daycare injury lawsuits include:

• Medical expenses
• Cost of future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost quality of life
• Potential punitive damages

Daycare and childcare provider accidents can have serious, long-lasting impacts on children and their families.

Young children rely on their caregivers for protection and proper supervision, making them vulnerable to injuries if facilities fail to meet basic safety standards.

Injuries in daycare settings can disrupt a child’s physical and emotional development, leading to medical challenges and emotional distress that require ongoing care.

For families, the trauma of an accident or injury in a trusted childcare environment can also lead to feelings of anxiety and betrayal.

If your child or a loved one’s child has been injured due to inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or any form of negligence, TorHoerman Law is here to help.

Contact our experienced St. Louis Daycare Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal rights and explore ways to seek justice and compensation.

Use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and find out if you qualify for legal action.

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 Missouri and Illinois.

At TorHoerman Law, our daycare injury lawyers proudly serve all of St Louis County — this includes, but is not limited to:

• Benton Park
• Benton Park West
• Bevo Mill
• Botanical Heights
• Carondelet
• Carr Square
• Central West End
• Clayton-Tamm
• Clifton Heights
• Compton Heights
• DeBaliviere Place
• Downtown
• Downtown West
• Ellendale
• Forest Park Southeast
• Fox Park
• Franz Park
• Grand Center
• Gravois Park
• Greater Ville
• Hi-Pointe
• Holly Hills
• Jeff-Vander-Lou
• Kings Oak
• Lafayette Square
• LaSalle Park
• Lindenwood Park
• Marine Villa
• McKinley Heights
• North Riverfront
• Northampton
• Old North
• Princeton Heights
• Shaw
• Skinker DeBaliviere
• Soulard
• Southwest Garden
• St. Louis Hills
• St. Louis Place
• The Gate District
• The Hill
• The Southampton
• The Ville
• Tower Grove East
• Tower Grove South
• Walnut Park East
• Walnut Park West
• Wells-Goodfellow
• Wydown Skinker