Parent’s Guide: Next Steps After a Child’s Allergic Reaction at a Daycare Center in The Woodlands

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies and sensitivities are a growing health concern, impacting nearly two students in each classroom. Given this increase, it is important that caregivers and staff at daycare centers in The Woodlands are properly educated and trained on how to prevent allergic reactions to protect the little ones in their care. 

Our daycare injury lawyers in The Woodlands are here to guide local parents with children diagnosed with allergies to foods and other substances. We'll discuss the common causes of allergic reactions, potential health-related injuries that little ones can experience, and five steps to take if your child has an allergic reaction at a daycare in The Woodlands.

What Are Common Causes of Allergic Reactions at Daycare Centers in The Woodlands?

At a daycare center in The Woodlands, a child can have an allergic reaction if an allergen comes in contact with their skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, or is ingested. Even trace amounts can trigger a reaction in sensitive children.

According to an interview with an allergist in the local outlet Woodlands Online, food allergies impact 1 in 13 children. The local doctor cites the following eight foods are responsible for 90% of all allergic reactions:

• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree Nuts
• Wheat

Other substances frequently found at daycare centers in The Woodlands that can cause allergic reactions include:

• Chemicals, including dyes, cleaning products, laundry detergents, and pesticides.
• Medications like penicillin, aspirin, insulin, antibiotics used to treat infections that contain sulfonamides, and barbiturates that are commonly used to relieve anxiety and prevent seizures are most likely to trigger allergies in children, according to University Hospitals.
• Pollens and grasses can cause irritation, especially in the nose, throat, and eyes.
• Synthetic materials, including latex, polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex, and rubber, can provoke an allergic reaction.

Since there's no cure for allergies, the best treatment is avoiding triggers. Daycare centers in The Woodlands should have a detailed allergy list for each child to ensure harmful foods, chemicals, and materials are avoided. You can learn more about how daycare centers in The Woodlands can prevent allergic reactions in this video.

How Can an Allergic Reaction at a Daycare Center in The Woodlands Harm a Child?

A child’s allergic reaction can range from mild to severe. According to a recent warning penned by a local doctor in Woodlands Online, reactions to food allergens can manifest three to seven days following ingestion.

Below is a list of common symptoms children experience when they are exposed to an allergen:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Extreme coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness
• Feeling or being sick, including experiencing nausea
• Hives, rash, or itchy skin
• Runny nose or sneezing
• Swollen eyes, lips, mouth, or other parts of the body 
• Tingling or itching in the mouth

As a parent, your child's safety is paramount, especially regarding severe allergies. Allergic reactions can quickly become life-threatening, with the body going into anaphylaxis within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. It's crucial for daycare workers to be well-trained in recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In cases of anaphylactic shock, immediate medical attention, such as administering an EpiPen or visiting an emergency room, is often necessary. Rapid response is vital—severe allergic reactions can be fatal if not treated immediately. Make sure your daycare is prepared to handle food allergy emergencies to keep your child safe.

What Should You Do If Your Child Experiences an Allergic Reaction at a Daycare Center in The Woodlands?

When daycare centers in The Woodlands comply with the state’s daycare laws, also known as minimum standards, a child’s exposure to allergens can easily be prevented. If your child experiences an allergic reaction at a facility in The Woodlands, follow these five steps to help your child heal and hold the daycare accountable for failing to keep your little one safe:

1. Seek medical attention for your child at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands, as every minute counts when a child is experiencing a severe reaction. You’ll want your child to be properly evaluated and ensure the reaction does not turn fatal.
2. Report the incident to the state. You can report allegations of daycare neglect in Texas to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by calling the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or submit a report online at TXAbuseHotline.org.
3. Document information regarding your child’s allergic reaction at the daycare center in The Woodlands. Keep track of all correspondence from the childcare facility and its workers. Screenshot text messages and emails discussing the incident, take pictures or make copies of any letters from the daycare or its workers, and make detailed notes of any phone calls with the daycare as they occur. While it may be overwhelming to remember these steps when you are more concerned about your child’s well-being, keeping a file of correspondence can benefit your family’s legal case to hold the daycare accountable for your child’s allergic reaction.
4. Inform yourself and investigate. Talk to the daycare center’s employees and administrators to find as much information as possible about the incident that led to your child’s allergic reaction. Also, speak with other parents to see if other children with allergies at the daycare center have similar experiences or reactions. 
5. Contact our experienced daycare injury lawyers in The Woodlands by calling 281-857-6116 or filling out a contact form. Allergic reactions can result in significant physical and emotional trauma for your child. In fact, your family may be eligible for compensation to cover your child’s medical expenses, therapy and other helpful resources, and pain and suffering. We are ready to listen and advise your family on the best approach to hold the daycare accountable and get justice for your child’s traumatic experience and injuries. However, there is a two-year time limit for filing a personal injury claim, so reach out to our team sooner than later.

If your child suffers a fatal allergic reaction at a daycare center in The Woodlands, your family may be eligible for compensation for funeral and medical expenses, emotional damages, and more.

How Can The Button Law Firm Help After Your Child’s Allergic Reaction at a Daycare Center in The Woodlands?

Our team of experienced daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to advocating for you and your family if your child experienced an allergic reaction while in the care of a childcare facility in The Woodlands. With attorneys helping clients throughout Montgomery County, we are ready to listen and fight for your family. 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 281-857-6116, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.