By Joni J. Franklin, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Kansas, a former Johnson County Kansas day care operator was sentenced to a 41 month prison term for the tragic death of an 18 month girl that was under her care. The prison term resulted from the conviction of charged of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated child endangerment, and operating a day care center with too many children. Ava Patrick was the victim who died when her neck got stuck in a wooden fence of the day care center operated by Lawrence. The attorney for Ms. Lawrence argued that the death resulted as a result of an accident and not from reckless conduct. See Former Johnson County (Kansas) Day Care Provider Sentenced to Prison – 41 Month Prison Term – For Child’s Tragic Death in Day Care Center
While there is no indication that Ms. Lawrence wanted to harm this child, the prosecution tried the case on the argument or allegations that Lawrence’s conduct was reckless in nature. The reason for day care regulations and laws is to keep children safe. Staff to child ratios result from years of study as to the proper number of adults needed to effectively and safely supervise the children.
With more and more deaths, injuries, and dangerous conditions existing in licensed and unlicensed day care centers, one could argue that the criminal penalties for these kind of crimes should be more severe to act as a proper deterrent and punishment for these crimes.
It can be very difficult for a parent to cope with and deal with the aftermath of a child injury that takes place at a day care center. The book titled – The ABCs of Child Injury – Legal Rights of the Injured Child – What Every Parent Should Know – has sections on Day Care Injuries, School Injuries, Medica Bills, Damages and Other Topics. If you are a parent in search of some information on the issue of child injury, you can receive a free book by clicking here.