Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often referred to as pediatric TBIs, are one of the leading causes of death and disability in children. When a child suffers a TBI—especially in a setting where they should be safe, like daycare—it’s an incredibly serious matter that demands immediate attention.
If your child experienced a head injury at daycare, this article will walk you through how TBIs happen, what symptoms to look for, and what steps to take to protect your child’s health and legal rights.
How Do TBIs Happen at Daycare?
Many traumatic brain injuries at daycare are the result of a lack of proper supervision. These injuries can happen in seconds, but the impact can be long-lasting. Some common examples of how a child might suffer a TBI at daycare include:
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Falling off a changing table, high chair, or playground equipment
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Being dropped by a caregiver
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Slipping and hitting their head on hard surfaces
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In more disturbing cases, being physically abused by daycare staff
These incidents often occur when daycare providers aren’t following safety protocols, aren’t properly trained, or are simply not paying attention to the children in their care.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury in a Child
One of the scariest parts about pediatric TBIs is that the symptoms aren’t always immediately visible. A child might seem fine after a fall or impact, only to start showing signs of a brain injury hours—or even days—later.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
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Persistent headaches
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Nausea and vomiting
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Dizziness or trouble with balance
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General confusion or brain fog
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Memory issues
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Difficulty concentrating or changes in behavior
If your child is experiencing any of these signs, seek medical attention right away.
What to Do If Your Child Suffered a TBI at Daycare
If you suspect that your child suffered a traumatic brain injury at daycare, here are the steps you should take immediately:
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Get Medical Attention – Your child’s health is the number one priority. Have them evaluated by a medical professional to confirm the extent of the injury.
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Report the Incident – Notify your state’s child care licensing agency or Department of Family and Protective Services. This creates a record of the incident and may trigger an official investigation into the daycare.
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Speak with a Daycare Injury Attorney – An experienced attorney can help you understand how the injury may have occurred, what your legal options are, and how to pursue a claim against the daycare for accountability and compensation.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after your child’s injury, know that you’re not alone. Our team has created a free resource to walk families through this difficult process: 5 Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury.
And if you have questions or need help taking the next step, our team at The Button Law Firm is always here for you. We’re committed to helping families move forward after daycare negligence, and we’re just a phone call or message away. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.
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