Child playing with age-appropriate toys at a daycare in TexasAccording to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over a span of one year, a staggering 150,000 toy-related injuries required emergency room treatment. While toys are undeniably crucial for your child's development, it's equally important to acknowledge that they can also pose serious threats and lead to significant injuries, especially when daycares are not vigilant enough. 

What Are Common Types of Unsafe Toys That Can Cause Daycare Injuries? 

There are many possible types of toys that can cause daycare injuries for children. For example:

  • Riding toys: Riding toys, such as tricycles and nonpowered scooters, are the leading cause of toy-related injuries, many of which are serious. If a child falls from these types of toys without wearing a helmet, they can experience broken bones or head injuries
  • Toys with sharp points or edges: Some toys that children use at daycare can have sharp edges or points. These types of toys can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, and can cause puncture wounds in young children. There is also a risk of toys breaking, exposing sharp points that could lead to daycare injuries.
  • Toys that make loud noises: Toys that make loud noises can cause hearing damage for young children.
  • Toys with small parts: These types of toys usually come with an age requirement, because young children have a tendency to put things in their mouth. If a child who is too young gets a hold of toys that have small parts, they could experience choking at daycare. There is also a risk of a child putting a small piece in their ear or nostrils, which could result in medical attention being needed. 
  • Stuffed toys: Some stuffed toys can be dangerous for young children if the toys are not maintained. Older stuffed toys can break open and release small pellets or stuffing. These items can then be inhaled or swallowed by young children, which can pose serious medical risks. 
  • Toys that propel objects: Flying toys can be turned into weapons when used by children who are too young. These toys can cause serious injuries, particularly eye injuries, if the child fires a projectile into their own or others' eyes. Arrow or dart toys should also have soft cork tips or rubber suction cups to protect against injury.
  • Electric toys: Electric toys that are poorly designed could cause burns or shocks. These types of toys often have heating elements and should only be used by children over the age of eight, and while under direct supervision from adult caregivers at daycare.

Children should also only be allowed to play with toys that are age-appropriate. Most toys come with an age range on the packaging to ensure safe play. Daycare centers should ensure the age ranges are enforced and monitor children who are playing with toys to make sure they are not playing with anything that could be dangerous for them. 

What Should Texas Daycares Do to Keep Kids Safe from Toy Injuries?

Daycares are responsible for keeping kids safe and providing age-appropriate toys in a supervised environment. Daycares should choose toys carefully, stocking only those that are well-designed and well-constructed. In addition, daycares should:

  • Teach children how to use the toys properly
  • Watch children while they are playing, keeping an eye out for possible problems
  • Check toys periodically to look for broken parts or other potential hazards
  • Throw away broken toys
  • Fix wooden toys that have splinters or sharp edges
  • Teach children to put away their toys so they do not pose a tripping hazard
  • Use shelving for toy storage that is bolted to the wall so it cannot be pulled down if a child climbs on it

What You Should Do as a Parent If Your Child Suffers a Toy Injury at a Texas Daycare

If your child was injured at daycare by a toy, the first step is always seeking medical attention. Even if the injury looks minor, getting a medical evaluation can bring you peace of mind and can help you build a case if the daycare was at fault for the injury.

If you suspect your child’s daycare injury was caused by unsuitable toys or a lack of supervision during playtime, you need to speak with an attorney. A daycare injury attorney can help gather the evidence needed to prove the daycare facility was negligent. Making a case against a negligent daycare can get your child the justice they deserve and can protect other children from being hurt in the future.

Personal injury compensation for children who are injured by toys at Texas daycares is similar to other personal injury claims. You may be entitled to:

  • Reimbursement for medical bills and other costs associated with your child’s treatment, including medications and counseling sessions
  • Compensation for pain and suffering of the child, including physical pain as well as emotional and psychological suffering
  • Other expenses you might have incurred as a result of your child’s injury, including time off work to care for your child

How The Button Law Firm Can Help if Your Child Suffers a Toy-Related Injury at a Texas Daycare

Our team of experienced and compassionate daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for you and your family if your child was seriously hurt while in the care of a negligent daycare center. 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. Get a free consultation by calling 214-888-2216, emailing us at [email protected], or completing a contact form.

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