BLF Comments on Snake Bite Incident at North Carolina Daycare

Snake Bite at North Carolina Daycare Raises Alarming Safety Concerns

STONY POINT, N.C. - According to a report by KGNS, a 4-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake while in the care of New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center in Alexander County, North Carolina. While we are not handling this specific case, our team of daycare and child injury lawyers stands with families going through similar situations and is here to guide them through the legal process and help them move forward.

The Details of the Snake Bite Incident

The boy had been playing outside near a sandbox when he was bitten on the finger by a copperhead snake. A staff member killed the snake after the attack, but by then the child had already suffered a painful and potentially life-threatening injury.

What makes this incident even more concerning is how it was handled. Family members told KGNS the daycare never called 911, and Alexander County emergency services confirmed they never received a call. Instead, the child’s guardian transported him to the hospital.

At first, the daycare told the family it might be a splinter or a broken hand. Only later did they acknowledge the child had been bitten by a snake, by which point valuable time was lost. The family also questioned why 911 wasn’t contacted and whether other parents were informed about the dangerous situation.

Failure to Call 911 Raises Red Flags

Snake bites, especially from venomous snakes like copperheads, are medical emergencies. Quick treatment is critical to minimize the risk of serious complications. In cases like this, the most urgent step is to call 911 immediately. First responders can stabilize a child on the way to the hospital, which can make all the difference.

By failing to do so, the daycare put the child at further risk. This wasn’t a minor oversight; it was a failure in the most basic responsibility a childcare facility has: protecting the children in its care.

How Daycares Should Protect Children From Outdoor Hazards

While it’s impossible to eliminate every danger, daycares must take reasonable steps to keep children safe, such as:

Inspecting outdoor play areas daily for hazards like snakes or unsafe equipment.
Securing playgrounds with barriers that keep wildlife away.
Training staff to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
Following clear safety protocols without hesitation.

Snake bites are rare, but this incident shows why preparation matters. Outdoor play should always be closely supervised, with staff ready to act at the first sign of danger.

What Should Happen if a Child Is Hurt at Daycare

When a child suffers an injury at daycare, the minimum standards set by state regulations that all facilities must follow are in place for a reason. These rules exist to protect children and ensure that staff respond immediately and appropriately in an emergency.

At a minimum, daycares should:

Call 911 right away if the injury could be serious or life-threatening. Quick access to emergency responders is not optional; it’s a requirement.
Administer first aid and keep the child calm and safe until professional help arrives. Staff are trained and expected to take these steps.
Notify parents immediately and provide accurate information. Families deserve honesty so they can make informed decisions for their child’s care.
Document the incident and evaluate what went wrong to prevent similar situations in the future.

When daycares ignore these minimum standards, they’re not just making a mistake; they’re breaking the trust families place in them and putting children at unnecessary risk.

BLF Supports Families After Daycare Injuries

The story reported by KGNS is a sobering reminder of how quickly a normal day at daycare can turn into a crisis. Families deserve to know that their children will be protected and that, if something happens, staff will act responsibly and without delay.

At The Button Law Firm, we are committed to holding negligent daycares accountable when they fail to keep children safe. If your child has been injured at a daycare because of unsafe conditions or caregiver negligence, contact The Button Law Firm today. Call us at (214) 699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out the contact form to speak with our team.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Texas Daycare Abuse Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has a child who was harmed by their daycare teacher, contact our firm. We know how difficult getting through this can be. Our experienced team wants to help guide you – as we have helped guide many parents and families within Midland, Houston, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com. You can also reach out to us by filling out the form below or by starting a chat with a member of our team.

Copperhead Snake Bite at North Carolina Daycare Raises Alarming Safety Concerns