Parents’ Legal Rights After Child Care Sexual Abuse in Oklahoma

Child care is commonplace for most American families. But your children may not be safe with their caregivers. In 2020, a four-year-old girl accused a teacher at Childcare Network Daycare in Oklahoma City of touching her inappropriately. Her claims were substantiated, and the teacher was arrested and charged.

If your child faced similar sexual abuse at daycare, you need experts to fight for your family’s rights. The Oklahoma child injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw have over 200 years combined experience doing just that. Contact us for a free initial consultation.

If your child was sexually abused while at daycare, you have the right to file a civil claim. This is a separate case from any criminal charges the abuser may face. Our Oklahoma child sexual abuse attorneys can help you understand the differences, including:

Criminal charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, but civil charges only require a “preponderance of evidence”—meaning the perpetrator is most likely guilty. This makes it much easier to get a favorable outcome in the civil courts.

While a criminal trial is all about the accused—whether they are guilty and how they should be punished—a civil trial is about the victim, including how the abuse affected your family and the compensation your child deserves.

A guilty verdict in a criminal trial means your child’s abuser may face jail time, community service, fines, or other punishments. A civil claim, however, can result in monetary compensation for your family. It’s possible to receive damages during a criminal case, but much less likely.

You have the right to file a civil claim even if your child’s abuser was found not guilty in the criminal courts. Daycare abuse in Oklahoma is never acceptable. Contact a lawyer who can advocate for your child’s rights and pursue justice.

Sexual predators may not be the only guilty party—and they may not have sufficient resources to compensate your family. You can also file a claim against their insurance, and any other individual or entity liable for the abuse, such as daycare owners, school districts, churches, corporations, and more.

It’s your attorney’s job to prove who had a duty of care to your child, and who failed to uphold that duty. This could include:

• Other daycare workers who did not report inappropriate behavior by the perpetrator
• Daycare owners (including corporations and organizations) who neglected to complete background checks on their employees
• Daycare operators who failed to enforce policies and procedures that protect children from molestation

Abuse is terrible enough, but the idea that someone could have prevented it and failed to do so is heartbreaking. At Carabin Shaw, we use our experience to protect victims’ and parents’ legal rights after child care sexual abuse, including proving who is liable for the molestation.

Daycare sexual abuse has lasting effects. Monetary compensation can’t erase them, but it can provide much-needed support as you navigate the devastating aftermath of abuse. Compensation can help pay for damages such as:

• Medical examinations
• STI treatment
• Ongoing therapy
• Legal fees
• Lost wages (for parents)
• Lost earning potential (for the child)
• Pain and suffering

Oklahoma child injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw know that the medical, financial, and emotional damages don’t end with the abuse. Your family is potentially facing years and decades of difficulties. Your child deserves justice after daycare sexual molestation—including fair compensation.

If your child was abused, you have legal rights to protect them and hold the abuser accountable. Carabin Shaw strives to make the legal process seamless. We will advocate for your rights and keep you updated every step of the way.

Call our toll-free number 24/7 for a free consultation: 800-862-1260. Both English and Spanish speakers are available to discuss your case.