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by The Stoddard Firm - December 18th, 2019
Ever since 2004, Bright from the Start has been the agency in charge of quality control for Georgia’s daycare and early education facilities. Among its other duties, Bright from the Start is responsible for approving licenses for Georgia’s daycare centers. Unfortunately, while the agency provides valuable support at times, it falls far short of guaranteeing Georgia’s children a safe environment, let alone a nurturing one.
For the average Georgia family, child care costs more than either housing or college tuition. Yet most of these exorbitant fees go toward care that Bright from the Start itself recognizes as “deficient” and “inadequate.”
In 2009, a national study ranked Georgia’s quality of child care 49th out of all 50 states. The next year, Bright from the Start commissioned a statewide study, which found that only 5% of children in Georgia’s preschools and daycare centers were receiving what could be called “high quality care.” Quality ratings were determined according to several factors, but many lower quality facilities were found to have dangerous playground conditions and other safety hazards.
The purpose of Bright from the Start’s study was to identify opportunities for improvement, but a decade later, another survey has ranked Georgia’s child care and early education in the country’s bottom 10 yet again — at #46, to be precise.
When Bright from the Start steps in to correct unacceptable conditions, it’s typically because things have gotten bad enough for a parent or other whistleblower to request help. At this point, children have already been exposed to potentially irreparable harm.
In the spring of 2018, children attending a Roswell preschool began reporting physical abuse by their teachers. After the school allegedly ignored parents’ concerns, one father responded by hiding a recording device in his son’s classroom, which captured teachers mocking a crying child and ordering other children to tackle him. One teacher seems to admit on the recording to having hit students in the past. When confronted with this evidence, the school voluntarily involved Bright from the Start, which imposed a fine of just $299 for the verbal abuse and did not bring any criminal charges.
A month later, a 2-year-old wandered off from a Sandy Springs daycare center, prompting another investigation. His mother says staff were unaware he’d ever been there when she came to pick him up. The month after that, parents reported a rodent infestation at the Augusta University Child Care Center, after at least one child became sick. Bright from the Start’s investigation revealed months’ worth of unanswered internal emails from daycare workers expressing concern that the rats, whose droppings had been found among the children’s toys, posed a health hazard.
The ineffectiveness of Bright from the Start changes nothing about the responsibility daycare centers and preschools have to provide a safe, healthy space for children. Where government oversight falls short, litigation can enforce accountability, provide compensation to victims, and serve as a warning to other neglectful facilities. If your child has been harmed by a daycare provider’s negligence, call The Stoddard Firm right away.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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I went through one of the worst times of my life. When I decided to reach out to Matt it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He really is a genuine guy who cares about his clients. He worked hard for me and my family for 2 years until we were awarded a settlement we felt deserving! I could not recommend a better guy for your legal services!
Attorney Matthew Stoddard and his staff are awesome professionals. I contacted them with a problem, in my opinion he went above and beyond to assist me. He showed understanding and care and exceeded my expectations.
The Stoddard Firm did an excellent job in representing me in my case ! They went far and beyond to help me, even driving 4 hours to meet me multiple times as a client!!! I honestly felt like I was a member of their legal team and would recommend them to anyone in need of a great lawyer!!!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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