Discovering that your child was hurt at daycare is every parent’s worst nightmare. One injury we often see is nursemaid’s elbow, also called a partially dislocated elbow.
This happens when a bone slips out of place at the elbow joint, often after a sudden pull or tug on a child’s arm. It can happen in an instant, but the pain and fear that follow are very real. If your child experienced a nursemaid's elbow injury while in daycare, here’s what to know and how to respond.
Recognize the Symptoms
The first step is understanding what nursemaid’s elbow looks like. Common signs include:
- A sudden refusal to use the arm
- Holding the arm slightly bent and close to the body
- Crying or showing distress when the arm is moved
If you notice these signs, seek medical care immediately. A doctor can typically fix the issue quickly, but delaying care could cause unnecessary pain or complications.
Ask What Happened
Once your child is safe and treated, try to gently learn what happened. Ask open-ended questions such as:
- “Can you tell me what happened before your arm started hurting?”
- “Was someone holding your arm when it started hurting?”
Depending on your child’s age, this can help you understand if the injury might have been caused by rough handling or improper lifting.
Get an Incident Report from the Daycare
If the injury happened at daycare, request an incident report right away. It should include:
- The date and time of the injury
- What staff members witnessed
- How the daycare says the injury occurred
Make sure you get a copy for your records. This documentation is key to understanding what went wrong and ensuring accountability.
Document Everything
In addition to the daycare’s report, create your own documentation:
- Take photos of your child’s arm before and after treatment
- Keep all medical paperwork, including diagnosis and follow-up instructions
If you decide to take legal action, these records will help show how and when the injury happened.
Understanding Your Rights
Parents trust daycares to keep their children safe. If your child’s nursemaid’s elbow occurred because of a caregiver’s negligence or improper handling, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Speaking with an experienced daycare injury lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your child’s rights.
The Button Law Firm Is Here to Help
At The Button Law Firm, we help families navigate what comes next after a daycare injury. Our team understands how overwhelming these situations can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If your child suffered a nursemaid’s elbow or another injury while in daycare, contact us at 214-699-4409 or intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or visit our contact page to learn more about how we can help your family move forward.
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