Daycare Injuries Happen Fast, Especially When No One Is Watching
Every parent trusts that when they drop their child off at daycare, the staff will keep them safe. But that trust is shattered when a child gets hurt, especially when the injury could have been prevented with better supervision.
At The Button Law Firm, we’ve helped families across Texas who are navigating the aftermath of daycare injuries. One pattern shows up again and again: a lack of supervision. The results can be devastating, whether it’s one distracted staff member or an understaffed classroom.
These are the five most common injuries we see happen when children aren’t being properly supervised.
1. Broken Bones
Children are naturally active and curious, but normal play can quickly turn dangerous when adults aren’t paying attention. Broken bones often happen when kids:
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Climb on unsafe or off-limits playground equipment
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Run or roughhouse indoors without guidance
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Trip and fall on hard surfaces that should be childproofed
When no one is there to stop unsafe behavior or step in before a fall, kids can end up with painful fractures. Some breaks require surgery or months of physical therapy, which can interrupt a child’s development and daily routine.
2. Choking
Choking is one of the most preventable yet life-threatening injuries at daycare. It usually happens during mealtime or snack time when a child isn’t being watched closely. It can also occur when a child picks up a small object and puts it in their mouth.
Without proper supervision, no one notices the danger in time to act. In just seconds, a choking incident can cause serious brain damage—or take a child’s life.
3. Burns
Daycare workers are responsible for keeping dangerous items out of reach, but when they’re distracted or not following safety protocols, children can get seriously burned. Burns often happen when kids are exposed to:
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Bottle warmers or hot plates
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Electrical outlets or cords
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Cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials
Burn injuries can leave children with permanent scarring and emotional trauma, especially if the child is too young to understand what happened.
4. Heatstroke and Hypothermia
Children can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so they rely on caregivers to protect them from extreme heat or cold. Heatstroke happens when children are left outside for too long without water or shade, and hypothermia occurs when they’re exposed to cold weather without warm clothing.
Both are incredibly dangerous. Without immediate attention, children can suffer internal organ damage and life-threatening complications.
5. Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most serious outcomes of poor supervision. These injuries often occur when:
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A child falls off playground equipment
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Furniture tips over onto a child
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Children collide or push each other without an adult stepping in
Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can affect a child’s ability to learn, concentrate, and manage emotions—sometimes for the rest of their life.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hurt at Daycare
If your child was injured at daycare and you suspect it happened because no one was paying attention, there are a few important steps you can take right away. Start by getting medical care, even if the injury doesn’t seem severe at first. A doctor can assess the full extent of your child’s condition and begin documenting their recovery.
Next, gather as much information as you can about what happened. Ask the daycare for an incident report and find out if there is any video footage available. Take photos of your child’s injuries and write down everything you remember about the day they were hurt. Keep records of any medical treatment, daycare communication, and related expenses.
Taking these steps can help you protect your child and begin holding the daycare accountable for what happened.
Contact The Button Law Firm
If your child was hurt at daycare due to poor supervision, our team is here to help. At The Button Law Firm, we work with families across Texas to demand accountability from negligent daycare centers and help parents move forward after devastating injuries.
To speak with someone on our team, call us at 214-699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out our contact form. We’re ready to listen and help you take the next step toward protecting your child’s future.
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