Can My Child Recover Damages After Daycare Abuse

Daycare, youth group, soccer camp, ballet class, scouts—millions of parents rely on these activities and more for childcare. They are usually run by trusted caregivers and friends, which makes abuse seem far-fetched. But according to the YWCA, less than 10% of molested children are harmed by strangers. Instead, friends, family, community members, and caregivers are more common perpetrators. If your child was sexually abused at daycare in Texas, help is available.

Our child abuse attorneys at Carabin Shaw have spent the last 28 years advocating for families just like yours. We understand how devastating sexual abuse can be, and we’ve dedicated our careers to helping victims receive the support and compensation they deserve. Call us for a free consultation.

When it comes to holding your child’s abuser accountable, there may be a criminal case, a civil case, or both. The differences between these include:

Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. In the criminal courts, the defendant (e.g., the accused child molester) must be found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt,” but in a civil case the threshold is “by a preponderance of the evidence.” Essentially, this means your lawyer only needs to convince jurors that the defendant is more likely than not to be guilty.

Criminal cases are all about punishing the guilty—possibly with fines or jail time. These cases may award monetary damages to victims, but this isn’t a guarantee. Civil cases, on the other hand, are all about the victim. They cannot levy any punishment against the sexual abuser, but they are an excellent avenue for monetary compensation.

If your child was sexually abused at daycare, child injury lawyers in Texas can help you pursue a civil case in order to recover damages—a vital resource as your family faces the unthinkable.

Nothing can erase the lasting negative effect of sexual abuse. However, compensation can go a long way in helping your family heal. Not only does it help eliminate additional stress, but it can also free up your time and energy so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s recovery. There are different types of damages your attorney can establish in court:

Healthcare costs are inherent to sexual abuse. Your child should receive a thorough medical examination by a trauma-informed medical professional, and they may require treatment for injuries or STIs. Additionally, healthcare costs can extend far beyond the initial aftermath of sexual abuse. For example, ongoing therapy for your child and your family as a whole.

There are direct, day-to-day costs stemming from daycare sexual abuse as well. These may include but aren’t limited to, lost wages, hiring new caregivers, and driving to medical and legal appointments.

The pain and suffering caused by sexual molestation cannot be understated. Emotional effects are more difficult to prove than medical or economic ones, but Texas child sexual abuse attorneys can help establish these damages. For example, research shows that victims of sexual abuse are more likely to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and they are more likely to engage in substance abuse, risky sexual activity, and self-harm. These are just some examples of potential pain and suffering caused by abuse.

If you’re wondering, “Can my child recover damages after daycare abuse?” the answer is yes—civil cases make it possible to hold your child’s abuser accountable and demand compensation for your family’s losses and suffering. At Carabin Shaw, we want to fight for your rights and recuperation.

The effects of daycare sexual abuse may plague your child for years to come, but recovering damages can mitigate their impact and pave the way for true healing. Contact child abuse attorneys at Carabin Shaw for a free consultation. English and Spanish speakers are available to help 24/7.

Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260.