HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mark and Vivian Francis filed a lawsuit against Kiddie Academy of Harmony daycare center, alleging neglect and abuse of their child, as well as fraud, from July 2023 to August 2023. While enrolled at Kiddie Academy of Harmony, the Francis’ two-year-old toddler was unlawfully imprisoned in a dark bathroom for four hours without food, drink, or any form of supervision or engagement with any child-care center employees. Not only did the State of Texas find that the actions of Kiddie Academy of Harmony directly violated at least seven Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers, but it also placed the child at a high risk for psychiatric problems and other issues in the future. In addition, a whistleblower has come forward and testified that the daycare center forged documents, lied to the parents and public officials, deleted videos and threatened employees in an attempt to cover up the incident.
“Mr. and Mrs. Francis entrusted their child with this daycare, believing it was a safe and nurturing environment for her to grow,” said Bradley Leger, Managing Member of Leger Ketchum & Cohoon, PLLC. “As evident in our findings, not only did Kiddie Academy of Harmony commit fraud, but they failed the Francis family, who are now dealing with the repercussions of their child’s neglect and abuse.”
Two weeks after the incident, the State of Texas investigator called Mr. and Mrs. Francis to notify them of the incident, which was only reported by a daycare employee that had since resigned. The Plaintiffs allege that Kiddie Academy of Harmony not only failed to report these unlawful acts, but also amplified its negligence in failing to notify the parents of the serious incident and inaccurately reported it to the State of Texas, among other things. Mr. and Mrs. Francis also allege Kiddie Academy of Harmony intentionally altered documents and interfered with the State’s investigation. This ordeal not only shocked the family but left lasting effects on the child such as significant separation anxiety and developmental regression, among other things.
“This is truly a nightmare situation for any parent,” said Leger. “My goal is to obtain justice for my clients, uncover the truth and make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
Trial is scheduled for January 2025.
About Leger Ketchum & Cohoon, PLLC
Leger Ketchum & Cohoon, PLLC is a full-service law firm practicing in a wide variety of areas, from personal injury and products liability to most aspects of business transactions and dispute resolution. With offices in The Woodlands, Boerne and Dallas, and a team of thorough and innovative attorneys, the firm is driven to provide high-quality legal services with integrity, professionalism and respect for all. For more information, please visit www.lkclawfirm.com, email info@lkclawfirm.com or call 888.508.6005.
