Common Signs of an Arm Injury in Young Children

Little kids might not always have the words to explain what’s wrong. That’s why it’s important to watch out for behavioral and physical signs that something isn’t right. Here are some red flags to look for:

  • Swelling, redness, or bruising on the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, or wrist
  • Crying or flinching when the arm is touched or moved
  • Avoiding the use of the arm or holding it in an unnatural position
  • Complaints of pain when trying to lift, reach, or grab objects
  • Visible deformities or a limited range of motion

It should be concerning if any of these symptoms show up suddenly and without a clear explanation.

How Do Arm Injuries Happen at Daycare?

Injuries can happen in a blink, but many are preventable. When daycare staff are adequately trained, attentive, and follow safety protocols, serious injuries like broken arms shouldn’t happen. Here are a few common ways we’ve seen arm injuries occur at negligent daycare facilities:

  • Lack of supervision during playtime or transitions (kids fall or are pushed)
  • Rough handling by a caregiver—grabbing, yanking, or pulling a child too forcefully
  • Unmaintained equipment, like broken playground structures or unstable furniture
  • Out-of-ratio classrooms where caregivers can’t keep an eye on everyone
  • Inexperienced or undertrained staff who don’t know how to lift or guide a child safely

In some heartbreaking cases, we’ve worked with families whose children were intentionally harmed by daycare workers. No child should ever be subjected to abuse, and when that happens, the facility must be held fully accountable.

What to Do If Your Child’s Arm Injury Happened at Daycare

  1. Seek medical care right away. A doctor can confirm whether your child has a sprain, break, or dislocation and document the injury.
  2. Talk to your child gently. If they’re able to talk, ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me what happened at daycare?” or “How did you hurt your arm?”
  3. Report the incident. You can file a complaint against the daycare with Texas Health and Human Services (THHS). They oversee daycare licensing in Texas and will investigate claims of neglect or abuse.
  4. Document everything. Keep photos of the injury, medical records, and any statements from your child or the daycare.
  5. Reach out for legal guidance. These situations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at The Button Law Firm is here to support families and help you move forward after your child’s injury.

Additional Resources For Our BLF Family

Looking for more information? We’ve put together several resources to help families navigate situations involving daycare injuries. Check out these related articles:
- What Should I Do if My Child Suffered a Nursemaid Elbow Injury at Daycare
- How to Report a Daycare in Texas

These can offer more insight into arm injuries and how to report a daycare in Texas.

We're Here for Families in Katy and Beyond

At The Button Law Firm, we fight for children hurt by negligent or abusive daycare providers. Our team understands how devastating it is to learn your child was harmed by someone you trusted. Don't hesitate to reach out whether you live in Katy, Houston, or anywhere in Texas. You’re not alone, and your family deserves justice. You can call us at (214) 699-4409 or email us at [email protected].

Russell Button
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Dallas, Houston, and Midland Texas trial and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.