MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Attorneys for the parents of a child who they said was abused by a Memphis day care worker have filed a $25 million lawsuit against the former employee and the day care.
Joe Craig was indicted June 26, 2023, with two counts of aggravated child abuse. Then he was indicted on third count on Nov. 28. He currently remains in the Shelby County Jail without bond in one case and $150,000 bond in the other.
According to the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office, Craig worked at the Academy of Future Leaders in the 1000 block of Madison Ave. in the Medical District at the time. The D.A.'s office said the initial allegations stem from reports he abused one of the children at the daycare.
Morgan & Morgan said the parents of a then-two-year-old boy filed a lawsuit Feb. 20, 2024, against Craig and the Academy of Future Leaders, claiming negligence. They said the abuse occurred in May 2023.
The lawsuit claims on May 18, Craig took the toddler into a bathroom and brutally beat the boy. The lawsuit claims the beating took place about 12:30 p.m., then after that, the boy was resting on his cot. It said about an hour later, workers noticed the boy having rapid arm and leg movements, then about 1:55 p.m., the day care owner was called about a possible seizure. The suit said 911 was called at 1:57 p.m.
The lawsuit said the child was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and found to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage, and several broken bones. The suit said the boy now suffers from paralysis on one side of his body, has lost vision in one eye, and has difficulty walking on his own.
The civil lawsuit alleges the Academy of Future Leaders hired Craig despite a history of domestic violence. It said Craig also remained employed despite a previous allegation of child abuse on April 9, 2023, at the same facility.
The lawsuit also claims the day care failed to properly supervise and train all employees and violated state regulations. The lawsuit also alleges day care employees did not contact 911 in a timely manner.
The lawsuit asks for all expenses for medical expenses, and $25 million in compensatory damages.
Morgan & Morgan attorneys John Morgan and William Hackett said in a statement:
“These parents have been devastated by the alleged brutal attack on their child. On May 18, 2023, these loving and hardworking parents dropped off their happy toddler at daycare, trusting that he was in a safe and nurturing environment. Instead of being cared for, their two-year-old was allegedly savagely beaten, and the next time they saw him, he was fighting for his life in the hospital. The lawsuit alleges that the Academy of Future Leaders was negligent in their care for these young kids. Our clients’ son continues to suffer from debilitating injuries and will for the rest of his life. We will hold each and every party to this attack accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
