Finding out that your child was the victim of abuse or assault at their daycare is an emotionally devastating experience. Putting your children in the care of someone else is a major act of trust, and it is traumatic to realize that that trust has been breached.
If your child has come forward about being abused at daycare, you may have already considered legal action. A successful lawsuit can give your family the financial flexibility that you need to seek the appropriate care for your child and can reassure you that the perpetrators of the abuse are being held responsible. However, you may be unsure about the viability of your lawsuit, or you may be wondering whether or not you have the time and resources necessary to pursue your case.
The team of New Mexico attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help. Our lawyers have specialized knowledge and experience with daycare abuse litigation and can help your family obtain justice. To learn more, call 800-862-1260 to schedule a free consultation. English- and Spanish- speaking staff are available 24/7 to take your calls.
How Do I Know if My Child is Being Abused at Daycare?Children who are suffering from abuse often feel too confused, scared, or ashamed to step forward about their experiences. Therefore, it is important to be aware of potential signs of abuse. These include:
Please keep in mind that none of the above are definitive proof of abuse. Before you consult with a New Mexico daycare abuse attorney after suspected assault, talk to your child and find a licensed child psychologist.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse?If your child tells you that they have been inappropriately touched by an employee at their daycare, or if their therapist suggests that you take further action, make sure to do the following:
After reporting your child’s abuse to the proper authorities, you may feel that no further action needs to be taken. It is likely that the responsible parties will face a criminal trial, including a possible prison sentence. In this case, it is understandable to think that pursuing your own lawsuit is unnecessary.
However, the defendants will only be facing a criminal trial, whereas your lawsuit will be a civil procedure. A criminal trial comes with harsher penalties, such as a criminal record and the above-mentioned prison sentence, but these penalties may not include a settlement for you. Criminal proceedings also have higher standards of proof than civil ones, meaning the defendant is less likely to face consequences. Therefore, your best chance at obtaining compensation for your family’s suffering is to find a New Mexico child abuse attorney to help you with a civil lawsuit.
How Can I Afford an Attorney?Even if you have decided that legal action would be right for you, you may have reservations about the cost. Many people perceive legal fees to be insurmountably high, and would rather forego a lawsuit or represent themselves than risk the cost.
However, many child injury lawyers in New Mexico, including those with Carabin Shaw, work on a contingency basis. This means that they will not charge you legal fees upfront, and will only take payment as a percentage of your legal settlement. If your case is not successful, then you will not have to pay. Contingency agreements give regular people the means to pursue their legal rights with little financial risk.
Call the trusted attorneys at Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case review.