What Should I Do If My Child Is Injured At Daycare?

As a parent, nothing is more horrifying and distressing than receiving a call informing you that your child has been injured at daycare. It’s natural to feel a mixture of emotions – anger, fear, and even guilt – but it’s important to stay focused and take the proper steps to protect your child and hold those responsible accountable.

If your child was injured at daycare, do not hesitate to contact our lawyers at Emerald Law Group to discuss your legal options. Our Seattle day care injury lawyer can help you seek the highest monetary compensation from all at-fault parties involved in the incident.

Steps to Take When Your Child Is Injured at Daycare

According to Census Bureau data, 4.8 million children attend an organized preschool or daycare facility. Unfortunately, accidents can happen at daycare, which is why knowing what steps to take when your child is injured is crucial.

Below, we will discuss what you should do if your child is injured at daycare to protect your child, hold at-fault parties accountable, and get the compensation to which your child is entitled.

1. Get Medical Attention for Your Child

The first step you should take if your child is injured at daycare is to ensure that they receive the proper medical care. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may involve calling an ambulance or taking your child to the nearest emergency room. It’s crucial to have a thorough evaluation done by a medical professional to document the injury, as this documentation will be incredibly valuable if you decide to pursue a case against the daycare facility.

2. Gather Evidence of the Daycare Injury

Once your child’s immediate medical needs have been addressed, it’s important to begin collecting evidence related to the injury. Take photos of your child’s injuries and any potential hazards at the daycare (if accessible). If your child’s injuries were caused by a specific toy, make sure to photograph and preserve the toy as evidence. Keep a record of all medical bills, treatment plans, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to the injury.

3. Speak with Potential Witnesses

It’s essential to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who can provide information on the daycare’s policies and practices. This may include other parents, daycare staff, or even neighbors who may have observed something unusual. Remember that these individuals may be reluctant to speak out due to fear of retaliation, so be prepared to be patient and empathetic in your conversations.

4. File an Incident Report

Contact the daycare facility to report the injury and request a copy of any incident reports related to the event. It’s important to have a clear, written account of the incident, and this report should include details on how the injury occurred, who was involved, and what steps were taken following the injury. Depending on your state’s regulations, you may also want to report the incident to a state agency responsible for licensing and regulating daycare facilities.

5. Hire a Lawyer

Finally, if your child has sustained a serious injury and you believe that the daycare facility was negligent in its duty to provide a safe environment, it may be time to consider seeking legal counsel. An experienced lawyer who specializes in daycare injuries can help guide you through the process, determine if you have a valid case, and represent you and your child’s best interests in any legal proceedings. They can also assist with gathering necessary evidence and ensuring that all reporting requirements are met.

Get Help from a Day Care Injury Lawyer

Dealing with an injury sustained by your child at daycare can be an emotional and challenging experience. Seeking professional legal counsel after a daycare injury incident will help ensure that your child’s best interests are protected and that the daycare facility staff members are held accountable for their actions. Get help from our skilled and results-driven lawyers at Emerald Law Group today. Receive a free case evaluation by calling 206-826-5160.

Source:

census.gov/topics/families/child-care.html