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CLOUDY Temp: 61 °F Wind: WNW at 5 mph Monday, September 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 10, 2003 Couple sues day-care center By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune A Medford couple whose child was badly burned in day care are suing the center. Joe and Shelli Campos are seeking a judgment of nearly $400,000 against Sarah Corson Childcare and Learning Center after their 2-year-old son, Skyler, was burned by hot milk at the center in January. The center is operated by Medford’s First Presbyterian Church, located on Holly Street. Filed last month, the suit alleges that Skyler received inadequate first aid at the center and should have been taken to a local hospital. He later was treated for second- and third-degree burns on his right arm but remains scarred. The Camposes felt they were forced to sue because the center’s insurance company offered so little compensation for their son’s injuries, said Jacksonville attorney Shane Reed. Skyler still attends the Sarah Corson center. Advertisement "We don’t think this is a second-rate day-care center," Reed said. "We were literally forced to file this action." The Camposes wanted Skyler to undergo procedures that would stretch the skin on his arm and minimize scars, Reed said. That treatment would cost between $50,000 and $60,000, he added. He refused to discuss the figure offered by Sacramento-based Zurich North America Insurance Co. The Camposes already have incurred $1,500 in medical bills for Skyler’s injury, according to court documents. Day-care centers must report to the state within seven days any injuries to children that require treatment by a health-care professional, said Linda Stern, legal and compliance manager for the child- care division of the Oregon Employment Department. It was not known Tuesday whether the Sarah Corson center reported Skyler’s injuries, she said. The state does not, however, investigate the cases unless the injury appears to be non-accidental, she said. Day-care centers only face losing their licenses if they are not following the state’s regulations, she said. Skyler — 14 months old at the time he was burned — was in the day care’s infant room. An employee allegedly left a bowl of scalding milk sitting on a towel that was hanging within Skyler’s reach, according to court documents. He pulled on the towel, spilling milk onto his arm. The liquid soaked his sweater, which retained heat, according to the suit. Day-care employees called Shelli Campos, who teaches at a Medford elementary school. She did not arrive to take her son to the hospital until about an hour after Skyler was burned, according to court documents. Shelli Campos would not discuss what action employees took before she arrived because her son remains in the center’s care, Reed said. The day-care center has not filed a response to the suit, and the center’s attorney, Wendy Paris of Portland, would not comment on specifics of the case. Church officials referred all questions to Paris. "My clients’ utmost concern is with the welfare of this child and every other child in their care," Paris said. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times