How Can Cold Weather Put Texas Children at Risk?

Can My Child Get Hypothermia on a Playground? 

Many parents and caregivers at daycare centers underestimate how quickly a child’s body temperature can drop. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and can happen in as little as 10-15 minutes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Children lose body heat faster than adults, and their small bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature.

This can happen when winter temperatures are above freezing or a child is exposed to extreme wind chills for too long.

On a playground at a daycare center, camp, or park, this risk is escalated if:

• Adults fail to supervise the children and miss the early warning signs, such as extreme shivering, blue lips, or slurred speech.
• Daycare caregivers fail to dress children appropriately with a heavy coat, hat, and gloves.
• Kids’ exposed skin can get stuck to a metal play structure or piece of equipment.

Any daycare center, camp, or organization that allows children to play outside during the cold weather or fails to closely monitor them can be held liable for any resulting illness or injury caused by exposure to the cold temperatures.

Can Cold Weather Harm Children Left Behind in Vehicles?

While you may be more familiar with hot car incidents in Texas, cold vehicles, including daycare vans, can act like a refrigerator, trapping cold air inside. A child locked inside can quickly develop hypothermia, leading to organ failure or death.

Daycare centers are required to conduct face-to-name checks while children are exiting a bus or van and conduct full sweeps of vehicles to prevent these dangerous incidents from happening.

Whether it is accidental oversight by a distracted parent or a negligent act by a caregiver, leaving a child in a vehicle is a crime and a severe safety violation.

Who Is Responsible If My Child Slips on Ice?

In freezing temperatures, ice is a serious hazard for people of all ages, especially children. Slips, falls, and resulting broken bones and head injuries are common when walkways, parking lots, and playgrounds are not properly maintained. In Texas, property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe, including addressing hazards such as ice and snow. This is called premises liability.

If a child slips and falls on an icy sidewalk that was not properly salted or cleared at an apartment complex, daycare center, hotel, school, or store, the facility or landlord is responsible for the child’s injury.

What Should Texas Parents Do If a Child Is Injured in Cold Weather? 

When a child gets hurt because of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, or they suffer an injury caused by unkempt sidewalks, the last thing you think about is filing a lawsuit or another path to legal action. But knowing what risks are out there and who is responsible for keeping your children safe is the best way to protect your family. In fact, parents may have the right to take legal action and hold the daycare center, school, or business accountable.

Our experienced child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm help families across Texas understand their rights after a child is injured due to unsafe conditions. These cases can be complex. That’s why you want our knowledgeable team by your side to guide you through each step in the legal process and help you make the best decision for your family.

If your child was injured at an indoor playground, call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation. Our legal team works on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case.