What Parents Should Know About Pool Incidents at Daycare

Parents who take their children to daycare expect their safety to be the facility's top priority. However, daycare negligence can lead to unfortunate incidents where children get injured.

If your child has been involved in a pool incident while under daycare supervision, seeking the guidance of a daycare injury lawyer can not only help secure compensation for your child's injuries but also prevent future occurrences by holding the daycare accountable. 

Types of Pool Injuries at Daycare

Swimming accidents rank among the top causes of death for children aged one to five. Besides drowning, various other accidents can occur in or around pools, including:

• Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injury
• Fractured bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Cuts and abrasions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paraplegia and quadriplegia

Falls around pool areas are frequent due to the slippery surfaces nearby. Malfunctioning ladders or defective diving boards can exacerbate injuries, leading to head or spinal cord trauma, fractures, and other severe harm. Additionally, uncovered drains and filters pose risks, particularly to young children.

To uphold safety standards, pool operators, including daycare facilities, must adhere to various safety protocols. Daycare staff should also be proficient in CPR and possess basic water rescue skills to respond to incidents effectively.

How Daycares Can Prevent Swimming Pool Incidents

Children face the greatest risk of drowning when left unsupervised. To mitigate this danger, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for multiple layers of protection. These measures include installing barriers around swimming pools, with fences at least 4 feet tall enclosing all four sides. The gaps between slats should be narrow enough to prevent a child from squeezing through, and fence latches should be positioned at least 54 inches above the ground. Safety gates, door locks, or doorknob covers should also be employed to prevent children from wandering outside unnoticed.

The AAP stresses the importance of touch supervision, advising caregivers to always remain within arm's reach of children in or near the water. Never leaving children unattended near a swimming pool is crucial, even momentarily. Additionally, if kiddie pools are utilized at daycare centers, they should be emptied after each use to minimize risks.

Steps Parents Should Take after Your Child Is Injured in a Pool Incident

Collecting evidence following a pool accident is an essential first step, especially if you plan on taking legal action. Here's a detailed list of what you should gather:

1. Copies of any documentation previously completed with the daycare provider.
2. Comprehensive medical records, including receipts for any treatments received.
3. Surveillance footage, if available, from any security cameras in the area.
4. Photographs depicting the accident scene, capturing its surroundings and any potential hazards.
5. Images showcasing any visible injuries sustained by your child.
6. Photographs documenting your child's healing process post-accident, providing a timeline of recovery and any lingering effects.

Remember, the more thorough your evidence collection, the better equipped you'll be to pursue justice for your child's injuries.

Taking Legal Action after a Pool Injury at Daycare

Seeking legal representation from a daycare injury lawyer promptly following an accident is crucial. Establishing daycare provider negligence in your child's injury can be complex and time-consuming. By enlisting a daycare negligence lawyer, you significantly enhance your prospects of achieving a favorable outcome and obtaining rightful compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

1. Coverage for medical expenses incurred due to your child's injury.
2. Compensation for lost income during the period you spent caring for your injured child.
3. Damages for pain and suffering endured by your child as a result of the incident.
4. Reimbursement for any disfigurement resulting from the injury.
5. Compensation for additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury.
6. Provision for future expenses associated with any permanent disability your child may suffer.
7. Wrongful death damages if your child tragically lost their life as a result of the incident.

Securing legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation your child deserves.

Contact The Button Law Firm if Your Child Was Injured at a Pool at Daycare

If your child suffered an injury from a daycare pool, contact our knowledgeable daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm. 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, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.