Mother of Toddler Who Died in Unlicensed Daycare Sues Woman Convicted in His Death

BEAVERTON, Ore. – The mother of an infant who died at an unlicensed daycare in 2022 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the woman convicted in his death, seeking up to $1.5 million in damages.

Tragic Death at Unlicensed Daycare

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Washington County Court, stems from the death of Bettina Ann Curl’s 11-month-old son while in the care of Teresa Louise Biswanath. Prosecutors say Biswanath was looking after five children in her Beaverton home despite operating without a license.

Court documents detail a series of unsafe practices that led to the infant’s death. During nap time, Biswanath allegedly placed the baby in a swaddle that was too small—intended for a three-month-old child—and used straps to bind his arms. She also forced a pacifier into his mouth that had a six-inch stuffed animal attached, creating additional hazards.

The baby was then placed face down on a bed, isolated in a room away from the other children, and left unattended for at least an hour.

Discovery and Failed Rescue Efforts

According to the lawsuit, it was Biswanath’s daughter who ultimately found the child unresponsive. She immediately called 9-1-1.

Biswanath attempted CPR while her husband also phoned emergency services. Despite those efforts, first responders were unable to revive the infant.

The complaint further alleges the baby endured pain and suffering for up to 90 minutes due to the improper swaddling before his death.

Criminal Conviction and Sentence

In April 2025, Biswanath was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. She was sentenced to two years in prison and is currently serving her time at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville.

The Oregon Department of Corrections confirms that the earliest she could be released is December 2026. Upon release, Biswanath will face an additional three years of probation and is permanently barred from operating any childcare facility.

Allegations in the Lawsuit

The wrongful death suit accuses Biswanath of:

Failing to provide a safe environment for children in her care
Using improper and dangerous restraint methods on the child
Isolating the infant in unsafe sleeping conditions
Neglecting to safeguard the toddler from injury and death

Curl’s legal team argues that Biswanath’s negligence directly led to her son’s death, justifying damages for the family’s profound emotional and financial suffering.

Community Concerns

The case has reignited conversations about the risks posed by unlicensed daycare providers, as well as the need for stricter oversight. Licensed childcare facilities are subject to inspections and safety regulations, while unlicensed providers often operate without consistent monitoring.

For Curl and her family, the lawsuit represents an effort to hold Biswanath accountable beyond her criminal sentence and to seek justice for a life cut tragically short.