Daycare Injury Lawyers Warn Parents About Furniture Tip-Over Risks

A Silent but Serious Hazard in Childcare Centers

Most parents think of playground mishaps or unsafe toys when they picture daycare dangers, but one of the most overlooked risks is unstable furniture. Nearly 80% of furniture tip-over fatalities involve children under the age of 5, the same age group that fills most daycare classrooms.

These accidents can happen in an instant. A curious toddler pulls on a bookshelf. A preschooler reaches for a toy left on top of a cabinet. A child bumps into a table while running to play. Without warning, heavy furniture can tip and cause serious injuries.

At The Button Law Firm, we’ve seen how devastating these preventable accidents can be for families. Below, we explain how tip-overs happen, what steps parents can take after an incident, and why accountability is so important.

How Furniture Tip-Overs Happen at Daycare

Daycare centers are filled with furniture meant to organize supplies and create learning spaces. But without proper safety measures, these everyday items can pose real risks.

Climbing Children

Kids are natural explorers. When they climb or pull on shelves and cabinets, unsecured furniture can topple instantly, often leading to head injuries or broken bones.

Inadequate Stability

Lightweight, poorly built, or overloaded furniture can be unstable. A small push or pull may be enough to send it crashing down.

Improper Placement

Where furniture is set up makes a difference. Items too close to nap mats, play areas, or walkways can easily be bumped into during normal activity, increasing the risk of accidents.

Tip-over incidents are not random; they are the result of overlooked safety precautions. Anchoring furniture, choosing sturdy designs, and arranging classrooms thoughtfully are simple steps daycares must take to keep children safe.

What Parents Should Do After a Tip-Over Injury

If your child is injured by falling furniture at daycare, knowing what to do can make a difference:

1. Seek medical care right away. Even if injuries seem minor, have a healthcare professional evaluate your child. Some injuries aren’t immediately visible.
2. Document the scene and injuries. Take photos of the furniture involved, where it was placed, and any harm your child sustained.
3. Ask the daycare for a detailed report. Request an explanation of what happened, who was supervising, and how they plan to prevent future incidents.
4. Speak with a daycare injury lawyer. If your child’s injuries are serious or the daycare failed to maintain a safe environment, legal guidance can help hold the facility accountable.

Moving Forward

Furniture tip-overs are not “freak accidents.” They are preventable hazards that daycares have a duty to address. Parents trust childcare providers to keep kids safe, and when that trust is broken, accountability matters.

If your child has been injured by a furniture tip-over at daycare, The Button Law Firm is here to help. Call us at (214) 699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with our team.