Did you know 6.8% of children have suffered a concussion or brain injury? According to a medical study published in 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these serious injuries occur more than any parent would like to imagine. In fact, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) were named the leading cause of death and disability in children as cited in another medical article found in the National Library of Medicine.
Based on the above statistics above, it is no wonder that brain injuries are among the most concerning injuries that can occur at daycare centers. That is why our Texas daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm want to arm parents with information about the three most common causes of brain injuries at childcare facilities and provide resources in the event a child suffers a brain injury while in the care of a center.
1. Falls
Nearly 3 million children in the U.S. visit hospital emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year, according to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Children younger than 5 years old are at the greatest risk of experiencing a fall-related injury at a daycare center in Texas, according to a medical article by pediatricians published in January 2023. Often, a lack of supervision is the root cause of these preventable daycare injuries.
Falls at daycare centers in Texas commonly result in brain injuries when
- Daycare workers step away while changing diapers for infants and young toddlers, leaving them vulnerable to roll off tall changing tables.
- Young children are left to play on tall playground equipment that is inappropriate for the child’s age and abilities without a teacher closely watching. This includes monkey bars and climbing a high ladder to reach a slide.
- Little ones wiggling while unbuckled or unrestrained in a highchair or standing up and falling from the chair when neglected during a snack or mealtime.
2. Shaken Baby Syndrome
When a caregiver violently shakes an infant, that abuse is known as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Violent shaking for just a few seconds can cause serious head injuries since babies have weak neck muscles that cannot support their heavy heads, according to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Thus, when they are shaken, their brain moves around in the skull, which can lead to bruising, swelling, and bleeding. For example, the harsh rattling action creates an exaggerated whiplash motion, similar to what adults experience in serious car accidents.
Approximately 1,300 children in the United States are victims of SBS, and that includes incidents that occur in daycare centers throughout Texas. Tragically, 25% of children who are victims of shaken baby syndrome die as a result of their injuries from the incident.
3. Choking Incidents
A child can suffer from a TBI due to a choking incident at a daycare center in Texas because the blockage of his or her airway cuts off the ability to breathe and limits the brain’s oxygen supply.
Choking can be caused by a piece of food or a toy with small pieces that can fit into the child’s mouth but is too large to be swallowed. Children ages 4 and younger are most vulnerable to choking incidents because they are still learning how to chew and swallow, according to the CDC.
Our daycare injury experts have compiled more information to help educate parents and daycare workers alike on choking risks and prevention methods at Texas daycare centers.
Free Daycare Injury Resources for Parents
Our experienced Texas daycare injury lawyers have also created several free articles to educate parents like you about what to do if your child suffers an injury at childcare facilities across the state:
- Steps to Take After Your Child Sustains a Brain Injury at a Daycare Center
- A 5-Step Guide For Parents After a Daycare Injury
- FAQ: Parental Rights After a Child Was Hurt at a Daycare Center
The Button Law Firm Can Help After a Child Suffers a Brain Injury at a Daycare Center
Our knowledgeable and compassionate daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm are dedicated to holding daycare centers accountable when a child suffers a brain injury because of the facility’s negligence. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help your family move forward. Our team at The Button Law Firm is recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation.
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