Daycare Injuries

Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia

Daycare injuries to children are typically the result of negligence, but in some cases they are caused by intentional abuse. Daycare owners have a duty to hire competent staff and to screen employees for any history of child abuse or other criminal activity. They also have a duty to operate a safe and secure facility with properly maintained equipment and security measures that keep strangers out and children safe.

Lack of supervision

Daycare providers should maintain an in-sight-always policy, meaning that each child can literally be seen by a caregiver at all times. It only takes a second for an accident to occur. Poor supervision can quickly turn tragic. In less time than it takes a caregiver to use the restroom or answer the phone, children can:

• Climb and fall
• Wander off into traffic
• Be snatched by a stranger
• Hurt each other accidentally or on purpose
• Ingest poisonous chemicals
• Become electrocuted or burned

Brain injury

The most common cause of injuries to infants and children five and under is falling. Younger children are more likely to suffer brain injuries from a fall than older children.

Shaken baby syndrome is a devastating brain injury that happens far too often. It is child abuse, and every caregiver should be trained in the proper handling of infants and young children, so that they do not accidentally or unintentionally cause such injuries.

Poisoning

All cleaning chemicals and other household chemicals that may be appropriate for use in a daycare facility must be securely stored in an area where children are not allowed to go and cannot get into.

Faulty equipment

A large portion of daycare injuries happen on playground equipment. Defective, broken, and unstable furniture can also result in serious injuries to a child. Daycare operators have a duty to inspect and maintain all furniture and equipment, and to make sure that playground equipment is not only functioning properly and in good repair, but also set up with the proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of injuries should a child fall off of the equipment.

Sexual abuse

Sadly, sexual abuse is a very real concern in daycare facilities. The risk of sexual abuse by a staff member can be greatly minimized by proper screening and background checks. However, screening alone will not prevent first time offenders. Proper monitoring of all staff and prompt response to any complaints from parents and children reduces the likelihood of inappropriate or abusive behavior.

If your child has been injured or killed in a daycare setting in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, please e-mail or speak to one of our skilled daycare legal specialists before you settle with an insurance company. The attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. are here to obtain justice for you.

Print this page