Bay Club daycare center lawsuit alleges toddler brain injury
A lawsuit alleges a 23-month-old boy suffered a traumatic brain injury at a Bay Club daycare center in El Segundo after surveillance video showed a childcare worker swinging him, tossing him into the air, and failing to catch him. The case matters because the video and reports to parents are central to claims of negligence and a cover-up.
Key Takeaways
- Parents allege their 23-month-old was dropped after being tossed in the air at The Bay Club’s childcare facility in El Segundo.
- Surveillance video described by outlets shows the child falling onto a hardwood floor, with the worker also falling onto him.
- The lawsuit alleges serious injuries including traumatic brain injury and hearing loss, and says the incident was downplayed to parents.
- KTLA and ABC7 report the incident report and initial explanations to parents are disputed by what the video shows.
What does the lawsuit allege happened at the daycare center?
According to ABC7 and KTLA, the lawsuit centers on surveillance video from March 17, 2025 at the Bay Club’s childcare facility (called the Clubhouse) in El Segundo. The footage is described as showing a worker holding the toddler by the arms/hands and swinging him between her legs.
KTLA reports the complaint says the employee eventually hoisted and tossed the child into the air, failed to catch him, and the child fell behind her, hitting his head on a hardwood floor. NBC News similarly describes the child falling to the floor and the employee falling backward and appearing to land on top of him.
What injuries are reported, and what did parents say they were told?
ABC7 reports the parents say their son suffered a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss. NBC News reports the complaint says he underwent a CT scan and neurological exam and was diagnosed with a concussion, blunt head trauma, and facial abrasion, and that he still experiences side effects, including hearing loss.
KTLA reports the complaint alleges a staff member contacted the parents but “downplayed the significance” of what happened; the father was given the option to pick up his son immediately or wait until the scheduled pickup time, and he chose to wait. ABC7 and NBC News report the parents allege the club misrepresented how the incident happened and how far the child fell.
What does the video change—and why does it matter now?
All three outlets describe the lawsuit as relying heavily on surveillance video. ABC7 reports the complaint disputes an account that the child was only about 1.5 feet above the ground, calling it “a complete lie.” KTLA reports the Bay Club incident report suggested the employee “caught” the child in a way that helped him avoid hitting the ground, and the complaint alleges the video proves that report was intentionally false and misleading.
In a moment when families increasingly expect real-time documentation and accountability in childcare, the case highlights how recorded footage can become the key “source of truth” in disputes over what happened inside a daycare center—especially when parents weren’t present.
For more on how technology is reshaping trust, oversight, and accountability, see our ongoing coverage in Future Tech & AI Wonders.
What legal action is being sought, and how has the Bay Club responded?
NBC News reports the lawsuit was filed by Matthew and Elena Kittle against The Bay Club and seeks a jury trial and damages. ABC7 reports The Bay Club said it cannot comment on ongoing litigation and said safety is its highest priority.
You can read NBC’s reporting for additional details about the allegations and medical claims: NBC News report.