It’s no secret that Texas summers are scorching, with temperatures easily climbing into the triple digits. When combined with metal doors and glass windows that heat up quickly in the Texas sun, this can be a hazard at daycare centers across the state. If a child comes into contact with hot metal or glass, they can experience heat-induced burn injuries, also known as thermal burns. According to a 2022 medical article published in the National Library of Medicine, these burns are the most common type of burn injuries experienced by children, with 86% requiring admission to a burn center.
In this article, our experienced Texas daycare injury lawyers present information to educate parents and caregivers about the potential dangers of burn injuries caused by hot metal and glass, including how to prevent them in Texas daycare centers and how to hold a daycare accountable if a child suffers from these dangerous burns.
How Do Burns from Hot Metal and Glass Happen in Texas Daycare Centers?
The truth of the matter is that metal is used in many kid-friendly products, from electronics and toys to playground equipment. The same properties that make the material durable also easily conduct heat that can lead to burn injuries.
Common ways that burn incidents occur at Texas daycare centers because children come into contact with hot metal include:
- Heavy metal doors painted a dark color that are in direct sunlight. In one instance, a toddler suffered first and second-degree burns to his face and hands after touching a metal door in direct sunlight. Testing found the door got as hot as 163 degrees.
- Metal playground equipment such as monkey bars, slides, and swings that are not placed in shaded areas
- Electronics or computers that become hot when used for an extended period of time
As for glass, windows facing south receive the most sunlight but can also become the hottest by collecting the most warmth from the sun, according to building expert Bob Vila. Like metal doors, south-facing windows at Texas daycare centers can become too hot to touch in the height of Texas summer and cause thermal burn injuries.
While threats of burns from hot metal and glass at Texas daycares may sound alarmist, we have seen firsthand how these incidents occur with young children. Burn injuries from hot metal and glass can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on the child’s exposure to the hot surfaces.
How Can Texas Daycare Centers Prevent Hot Metal and Glass Burns?
Preventing burn injuries caused by hot metal and glass at Texas daycare centers requires workers and directors to use a combination of proactive planning and vigilance. Some tips to prevent little hands and bodies from coming into contact with these hot surfaces include:
- Become weather aware by checking temperatures in the summer months and create indoor play alternatives to avoid contact with hot doors and playground equipment
- Paint metal doors a lighter color or add a simple screen door to absorb less heat
- Identify solutions such as planting a tree or building an overhang or awning to shade metal doors that receive direct sunlight
- Add shades to south-facing windows that block sun and serve as a barrier to curious children
- Monitor electronics, such as laptops, iPads, or other toys that are powered with strong batteries or electricity, after prolonged use, and mandate breaks to allow the objects to cool
When daycare workers in Texas follow the above tips as well as monitor the premises on hot days to assess potential hazards for thermal burns, children remain safe and happy, even on the hottest summer days.
What Damages Can I Collect If My Child Is Burned by Hot Metal and Glass at a Daycare in Texas?
In the event that your child is burned by hot metal or glass at a daycare center in Texas, your family may be able to file a lawsuit that would hold the daycare accountable for your child’s injuries. A lawsuit would also help you seek compensation, known as damages, to cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy and other resources to help your child with mental anguish
- Your child’s current medical and long-term care expenses
The child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm will be ready to listen and help your family figure out the best approach to hold the daycare in Texas accountable and get justice for your child’s burn injuries. However, there is a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Texas, so reach out to our team as soon as possible. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Texas Daycare Injury Lawyers
Our team of experienced and compassionate daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to advocating for you and your family if your child is burned by hot metal or glass at a daycare center in Texas. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to listen, fight for your family, and help your family move forward. Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm are 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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