What Parents Must Know About Chemical Burn Injuries at Daycare

Understanding Chemical Burn Injuries at Texas Daycares

Chemical burns are one of the more shocking—and entirely preventable—injuries that can happen at daycare. While most parents don’t expect this kind of danger in a childcare setting, we’ve seen firsthand how poor decisions around cleaning products can lead to serious harm.

These injuries aren’t accidents. They’re often the result of daycares cutting corners, ignoring safety protocols, or using dangerous products without proper training.

How Chemical Burns Happen at Daycare

In many of the cases reported in Texas, chemical burns happen because of unsafe cleaning practices. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dangerous products left within reach: When cleaning chemicals aren’t stored safely, kids can easily access them. Just a small amount of exposure can cause serious damage to a child’s skin or eyes.
• Industrial cleaners used on kid-friendly surfaces: Some daycares rely on commercial-grade cleaning solutions that are far too harsh for an environment full of young children. These products require careful dilution and thorough rinsing, but kids are put at serious risk when those steps are skipped.

In one case, a daycare used a highly concentrated cleaning solution to sanitize nap mats. The chemicals weren’t properly diluted or wiped away. When a child laid down for nap time, her skin came into direct contact with the residue. She suffered painful chemical burns and lost patches of hair as a result of the exposure.

This kind of injury is completely preventable, and it highlights why daycares must take chemical safety seriously.

What To Do If Your Child Suffered a Chemical Burn at Daycare

If your child comes home with signs of a chemical burn—even if it seems minor—it’s important to act quickly and follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
   No matter how severe the injury looks, your child should be seen by a medical professional. Chemical burns can worsen over time or lead to infections, so it’s essential to get them evaluated by a pediatrician or ER doctor as soon as possible. Follow all treatment instructions and keep documentation of the injury and care.
2. Report the injury to the state
   In Texas, daycares are required to report serious injuries to the state. However, we also recommend that parents submit their own report to ensure the incident is properly documented and investigated. Doing this helps protect other families by making the incident publicly available through the state’s licensing system.
3. Talk to an attorney who understands daycare injury cases
   Daycare injury cases can be complex, especially when they involve chemical burns. It’s important to connect with a legal team with experience navigating these claims and advocating for families. The right attorney can help guide you through the next steps and determine whether the daycare may be held accountable for negligence.

Get Guidance After a Daycare Injury

If your child was hurt due to negligence at daycare, you’re not alone. We created a free resource to help parents understand their rights and how to move forward: 5 Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury. It’s packed with helpful tips and covers everything from reporting the injury to supporting your child through recovery.

Have questions? We’re here to support you. Call us at (214) 699-4409 or email intake@buttonlawfirm.com. Our team is always ready to listen, offer guidance, and help you take the next step.