Suit blames Care.com and a failed 'premier background check' in baby's death
A Wisconsin couple has sued Care.com and a baby sitter hired through the website after their baby daughter died from a skull fracture while in the sitter’s care.
The suit by Nathan and Reggan Koopmeiners of Kenosha claims they paid Care.com for a “premier background check,” but it failed to turn up the baby sitter’s criminal record, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Court records indicate that a woman named Sarah Rachoner was convicted of DUI in 2010; the baby sitter, Sarah Gumm, had previously used that name, the Tribune says. Gumm has been charged with murder in the death of the 3-month-old baby, Rylan Koopmeiners, according to the story.
Prosecutors allege that on the day of the baby’s death in July 2012, Gumm struck the baby’s head on a table when the child became fussy during a diaper change. Prosecutors also allege Gumm left home without the baby twice that day to buy wine at a drug store. Gumm called 911 when she noticed the baby appeared to be in distress.
Gumm’s lawyer in the criminal case, Jed Stone, told the Tribune his client admits leaving the baby alone and drinking wine, but her actions don’t justify a murder charge. He said his client had hypoglycemia, and she had a craving for wine when her blood sugar dropped. “She is a kind, caring decent woman with a problem,” he said.
Care.com issued a statement saying the baby’s death “was tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Hat tip to ISBA Daily Legal News.
