When to Take a Second Look
Was your child seriously injured at a childcare or daycare facility? If so, you’re not alone. Independent studies indicate that over 9 million children suffer injuries serious enough to require treatment in a hospital emergency department each year. It is estimated that tens of thousands of these injuries may have been suffered at daycare centers. Although there are no federal reporting requirements for serious injuries and deaths that occur in these facilities, accidents remain the leading cause of death for children over the age of one in the US. Parents of children who spend significant amounts of time away from the home can learn more about injuries that may occur at daycare centers to help keep their children safe.
Did Daycare Staff Hide Details About the Accident?
Like all accidents, daycare accidents cannot always be anticipated or avoided, but in some cases injuries suffered could have been prevented with proper care and supervision. When staff conceal details about an accident or the explanations provided just don’t make sense, there may be more to the situation. If your child has been seriously injured and any of the following apply/are suspected, you may want to take a closer look.
Physical and Emotional Abuse Injuries
Children who are hurt or neglected while under the supervision of daycare providers may exhibit changes in personality, withdrawal from socialization, and avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed. The child may seem to be in pain or cry without reason. In addition, the child may appear anxious when they witness another child crying or upset. Often, children suffering abuse will express fear or extreme reluctance about going to the facility. Examine your child each day for cuts, bruises, swelling, reddened areas, and other signs of injury and be sure to ask the daycare provider for an explanation.
Sexual Abuse and Assault Injuries
Unfortunately, sexual trauma at the hands of daycare providers is a tragic reality for some children. They are often threatened or intimidated to remain silent about the abuse, so vigilant parental observation is necessary. In addition to sharing many of the same signs as physical and emotional abuse, children who are being sexually abused or assaulted may experience pain or difficulty when sitting or walking. Behavioral changes related to sexual abuse may include repetitive rocking/sucking, exhibition of inappropriate sexualized behavior, and seeking out excessive physical attention. Stains and/or blood may be found on underwear, as well. Any bruising or bleeding in the genital area should be examined by a medical professional immediately.
Negligence Injuries
Lumps, bumps, bruises, and falls are a normal and expected part of childhood. In some cases, unavoidable accidents may result in serious injury. However, preventable accidents that occur as a result of failure to properly supervise the child, adhere to regulations, properly maintain the daycare facility and equipment, or other failure of duty or wrongful act, may indicate negligence. A wide range of serious, otherwise preventable injuries may occur as a result of daycare staff failure to uphold their duty of care including:
-Internal Injuries
-Concussions
-Traumatic Brain Injury
-Broken Bones
-Burns/Electrocution
-Dislocations
-Poisoning
-Drowning
-Choking
Maximum Financial Compensation for Serious Daycare Injuries and Death
The childcare facility you selected is responsible for keeping your child safe. If you believe your child was seriously injured or suffered death as a result of a daycare provider’s negligence, reckless behavior, or malicious act, you need skilled legal representation on your side. Childhood survivors of abuse and neglect may require a lifetime of medical and surgical interventions, therapy, medications, and other treatment. Our legal team can review your case and help determine if you are eligible to pursue recovery for past damages, as well as future anticipated losses resulting from the incident.
Since 1952, we have secured the maximum compensation allowed by law for losses related to serious personal injuries or death caused by the reckless or negligent actions of at-fault daycare staff throughout West Virginia. To learn more, contact Angotti & Straface Attorneys at Law in Morgantown right away for a complimentary consultation: (304) 292-4381.