As parents, we do everything we can to keep our little ones safe. That’s why it’s so shocking and heartbreaking when a child is seriously hurt, especially in a place that’s supposed to protect them, like daycare. While many types of preventable injuries can happen in daycare settings, one of the most devastating is an injury that leads to amputation or traumatic limb loss.
These kinds of injuries aren’t just rare freak accidents. They’re often the result of negligence, unsafe conditions, or a lack of supervision. At The Button Law Firm, we’ve seen the painful reality of these cases firsthand, and we want to share the most common causes of amputation injuries at daycare so parents can stay informed and know what steps to take if the unthinkable happens.
1. Doors Slamming on Fingers
One of the leading causes of amputation injuries we see involves heavy doors slamming shut on children’s small fingers. This often happens when a daycare worker doesn’t check to ensure all the kids are safely through the doorway. If a child’s finger is still in the frame when the door closes, it can result in a severe crush injury, or in some cases, a complete amputation.
This type of injury is entirely preventable. Daycares should use child-safe door stoppers, closely monitor transitions between rooms, and ensure that kids are always accounted for.
2. Furniture Tipping or Falling
Another common cause of amputation injuries involves unsecured furniture. Bookcases, shelves, and desks may seem harmless to adults, but they can be dangerous for young children who are curious and often climbing. If a heavy piece of furniture tips over, it can trap or crush a limb, causing catastrophic injury.
Daycares are expected to childproof every room to prevent these types of accidents. That includes securing furniture to walls, avoiding top-heavy arrangements, and keeping climbing temptations out of reach.
3. Exposure to Sharp Objects
It may be hard to believe, but some daycare injuries happen because children can access sharp or dangerous objects. Whether it’s broken glass, sharp playground equipment, exposed metal on fencing, or even access to adult tools like scissors or box cutters, these hazards have no place in a childcare environment.
The consequences can be tragic when daycare staff fail to maintain the premises or properly supervise children. Traumatic limb loss from sharp object injuries is entirely preventable with the right safety measures in place.
What to Do If Your Child Suffers a Traumatic Injury at Daycare
If your child has suffered an amputation or serious injury at daycare, we know this is an overwhelming and emotional time. While nothing can undo what’s happened, taking legal action can help your family begin to heal and move forward. A claim can provide the financial support needed for medical care, therapy, and a better future for your child.
We encourage parents to contact our team at The Button Law Firm if they’re ready to talk. But we also understand if you’re not quite there yet. That’s why we created a free guide called 5 Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury—so you can start getting answers on your terms.
At the end of the day, our goal is to hold negligent daycares accountable and make sure families like yours are supported every step of the way. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.