You can probably point to a different part of your child’s body on any given day and know why there is a bruise, scrape, or another minor injury. Maybe your child walked into a wall while chasing after the family dog, maybe your child fell on the playground, or maybe another child pulled a toy from your child’s hands a little forcefully.
These injuries are part of childhood, but not every bruise is an accident. Sometimes, bruises are signs of daycare abuse or neglect. If your child came home from daycare with an unexplained bruise, you may be particularly concerned about how your child was treated when you weren’t there and what other injuries your child may experience.
When a Bruise at Daycare Is Cause for Concern
The bruising described above is a common part of toddlerhood, but not all bruising is benign. You should be concerned about bruising that happens at daycare if:
- Your child is a newborn. Infants rarely experience bruising by accident because they aren’t mobile yet. When infants do experience bruising, it is often due to neglect or intentional abuse.
- Bruising occurs on certain parts of the body. Any bruising on the part of the body that is typically covered by a bathing suit or is difficult to bruise during regular childhood activities may be cause for concern. For example, bruises on the neck aren’t easy to incur accidentally.
- There is a pattern of bruises. A pattern or cluster of bruises on one part of the body may not be the result of an accidental bump or fall, and could instead by evidence of abuse or neglect.
When you notice an unexplained or concerning bruise, you should get your child prompt medical treatment. A medical provider can complete a full physical exam to see if there are any other signs of abuse or neglect. Your care provider can also treat any additional injuries your child may have.
Find Out Why Your Child Is Bruised
Your child is too young to tell you exactly what happened. Even if your child is preschool age and talking all the time, your child may be unable to tell you who hurt them, when it happened, how it happened, and who saw it happen.
What to Do If you Suspect Your Child Was Bruised at Daycare Due to Neglect or Abuse
- Report your concerns to the daycare. You have the right to request that the daycare investigate what happened, create an incident report, and provide you with a copy of the incident report. If the daycare is unwilling to do this, then you should notify a lawyer immediately and write down as many details about your child’s injury and its possible causes as possible.
- Report your concerns to the state. In Texas, everyone is a mandatory reporter of child abuse. If you suspect that your child—or any other child—has been neglected or abused, you must report your suspicion immediately by contacting a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
- Make sure a thorough investigation is done. Do not rely on the state’s investigation. Instead, contact an experienced daycare injury lawyer who knows what questions to ask, what documents and other evidence to request, and how to get the answers you and your child deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruises at Daycare
Why is my child covered in bruises?
If your child is covered in bruises, it may be a sign of abuse or neglect at daycare. A large amount of bruising is unusual and should be investigated.
When should I be concerned about a bruise on my child?
Parents should be concerned about bruises when their child comes home from daycare frequently with bruises or if the bruises they get from daycare are severe,
Call a Texas Daycare Injury Lawyer
If you suspect that your child’s bruise could be more than an isolated injury in the course of regular play, contact a Texas daycare injury attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm will make sure that all of your child’s rights are protected. We will fight hard to make sure that your family is compensated for your child’s medical costs, physical pain, and emotional suffering as well as any income that you lose while caring for your child.
Complete our online contact form or download a free copy of our guide, A Five-Step Guide for Parents Dealing With a Daycare Injury, to learn more today.
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