Looking into Your Legal Options When Your Child Was Injured at Daycare

There are millions of American children in daycares across the country. Daycare facilities are meant to be safe and secure places to keep our children. However, numerous types of dangers and hazards in the daycare setting cause thousands of preventable childhood injuries each year.

If your child was injured due to the daycare center’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your child’s injuries. Below, we discuss some of the common causes of daycare injuries and what do when you child has been injured.

Types of Accidents Children Sustain at Daycares

Falling is the leading cause of childhood injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falling at daycare can cause injuries such as lacerations, broken bones and head trauma.

Another possible type of accident in daycares is choking. If there are small objects left lying around the facility, or if the staff doesn’t watch the children closely during mealtimes, choking can pose a threat. Daycare facilities may be held liable in these types of senseless, avoidable deaths.

Other types of hazards that can cause accidents at daycares include: 

• poorly maintained playground equipment;
• defective or shoddy cribs, baby swings, walkers, etc.;
• wet floors;
• medications or cleaners that aren’t locked up;
• unsecured furniture (bookshelves, TV stands, etc.);
• unsafe toys; and
• understaffing and poor supervision.

 

What to Do When Your Child Has Been Injured at Daycare

When you get a call that your child has been hurt, alarm, fear and anger can set in quickly. Try to remain calm and get your child the medical attention he or she needs.

Ask the staff for explicit details on how the injury occurred, when it occurred and how the staff handled the situation after the injury occurred. Make sure to write down everything they say and keep those notes at home for safekeeping.

Then contact a child injury attorney in your area. Daycare centers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe environment for your child. If your child’s injury was caused by negligence on the daycare center or staff’s part, you can hold them legally responsible for your child’s injury in a negligence claim. In some situations, a third party also might be liable, such as if there was a defective product involved.

Talking to an Attorney about Your Legal Options 

Because daycare centers have a legal duty of care to keep your children safe, if they somehow neglect this duty of care, Florida law says that you may be eligible to file an injury claim against them.

Speak to a lawyer about how to file a claim properly and obtain a fair settlement. Your attorney can help you collect evidence, calculate damages and pursue restitution for your child’s injury and suffering. 

For a free, no-obligation legal consultation, call us at Chalik & Chalik. We take a hands-on approach with our clients and will be happy to discuss your case. Contact us today at (855) 529-0269.