Arkansas Jury Awards $110 Million Verdict in Child Injury Case Against Unlicensed Daycare
Gates Law, PLLC Secures Justice for Family of Catastrophically Injured Infant
Personal injury lawyer, Joseph Gates of Gates Law, PLLC has secured a $110 million jury verdict for the family of a 7-month-old infant who was catastrophically injured at an unlicensed home daycare in Mena, Arkansas. The jury also awarded $40,000 in punitive damages, concluding a three-day trial in the Polk County, Arkansas, Circuit Court.
Filed under case number 57CV-16-166, Daniel Ryals and Mandy Ryals, on behalf of their son, Owen Ryals v. Wendy Strother et al., the lawsuit detailed how the daycare operator caused and allowed severe and permanent injuries to the child. Gates presented evidence that Owen Ryals sustained multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, detached retinas that resulted in total blindness, and traumatic brain injuries that have led to lasting developmental delays.
“This case is about accountability and the value of a child’s life,” said injury lawyer Joseph Gates. “This family placed their trust in someone who utterly failed to protect their baby. The jury’s verdict reflects the seriousness of that failure.”
Gates tried the case alongside Joshua Gillispie and Caitlin Malott of the Gillispie Law Firm and BW Walas of the Walas Law Firm. Judge Gary Arnold presided over the trial. The legal team demonstrated that the daycare was operating illegally without a state license and failed to provide a safe environment, directly leading to Owen’s life-altering injuries.
According to testimony and medical evidence, Owen was left with permanent blindness and significant brain damage that will require ongoing care throughout his life. The child injury claims lawyer focused the jury’s attention on the future impact of these injuries, including the emotional and financial strain placed on Owen’s family.
The $110 million in compensatory damages is intended to cover lifelong medical care, therapy, and essential support services. The punitive damages were awarded to acknowledge the gravity of the conduct and to send a warning to others who fail to meet basic child safety standards.
The trial team presented a combination of medical records, expert opinions, and eyewitness accounts to show that the daycare operator's actions were not only negligent but also dangerous.
The case has highlighted growing concerns about unlicensed daycare facilities operating without state oversight. It has also brought renewed focus to the importance of regulation and enforcement in child care settings to prevent tragedies like this one from happening again.
Families who suspect negligence or unsafe conditions in child care facilities may have legal options. Joseph Gates continues to advocate for those affected by serious injuries, particularly cases involving children harmed by inadequate care or supervision.
This verdict underscores the role civil courts play in holding individuals accountable for preventable harm. The outcome also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that caregivers and facilities meet legal standards when entrusted with the safety of children.
Parents and guardians are urged to verify licensing and safety practices when selecting child care providers. The Ryals case is a powerful example of the irreversible harm that can result when those safeguards are ignored.
About Gates Law, PLLC
Gates Law, PLLC represents individuals and families across Arkansas in serious personal injury cases. The firm handles cases involving child injury, car accidents, trucking accidents, and wrongful death. Joseph Gates is committed to protecting the rights of the injured and holding wrongdoers accountable under the law.
Media Contacts:
Edith Gates
(501) 779-8091
Gates Law, PLLC
edith@gateslawpllc.com
gateslawpllc.com
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