Watkins v. Woodforest Preschool Academy

Case Background

Angela Watkins sued Woodforest Preschool Academy after her two-month-old suffered unexplained facial bruising. The preschool negligence lawsuit was filed in the Mississippi County Court, Hinds County. Judge Pieter Teeuwissen presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 19-574]

Cause

In March 2018, Angela Watkins welcomed her son, Jordyn Bronson. Two months later, she dropped him off at Woodforest Preschool in Raymond, Mississippi, before heading to her state government job. At the daycare, Jordyn was under the care of an employee named Miss Frieda.

Around lunchtime, Watkins received a concerning call. The daycare informed her that although Jordyn was breathing normally and had no fever, she needed to pick him up immediately. Alarmed, Watkins rushed to the preschool and found Jordyn with facial swelling and one eye swollen shut.

Upon seeing her son’s condition, Watkins called 911.

Injury

An ambulance transported Jordyn to the emergency room at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Medical staff treated him for bruising that appeared to result from trauma.

Damages

Watkins sought both economic damages (including medical bills totaling $27,000) and non-economic damages.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Angela Watkins
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Kenya R. Martin
  • Defendant(s): Woodforest Preschool in Raymond
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Damon R. Stevenson

Claims

Watkins filed a lawsuit against Woodforest Preschool, claiming daycare employees’ negligence likely caused Jordyn’s injuries.

Defense

Woodforest Preschool denied any responsibility for the incident.

The preschool also filed a motion for summary judgment, pointing to the daycare’s enrollment application. This document, signed by Watkins, included a provision releasing the daycare from liability for sickness or injury.

Watkins opposed the motion, arguing that it was unreasonable to expect her to release claims for unforeseen trauma. The trial court ultimately denied the daycare’s request for summary judgment.

Jury Verdict

The case went to trial over two days in Jackson. On September 24, 2024, the jury delivered a verdict, finding Woodforest Preschool not liable for negligence. As a result, the Plaintiff received no compensation.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request