What Are The Leading Causes of Injuries In Child Care Settings?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog on December 8, 2023

When parents leave their children at a daycare, they do so with trust and the expectation of a safe environment. However, even in the most well-regarded childcare settings, accidents can happen, and children may be injured. If you leave your child in the care of other people during the day, it’s important to be aware of these risks and understand your rights and remedies in the event of an unexpected injury.

Accidents on the Playground

Playgrounds, while essential for physical activity and social interaction, are common sites for accidents in childcare settings. Children may sustain harm due to falls from equipment, impact with hard surfaces, or accidents involving playground structures. These injuries can range from minor bruises to more serious fractures or head traumas.

Choking and Suffocation

Choking and suffocation are significant risks in daycare settings, particularly for younger children. These incidents often result from small toys, improper food sizes or textures, or in some cases, unsafe sleeping arrangements. The impact of choking or suffocation can be severe, leading to respiratory distress, brain damage, and, in extreme cases, coma and death.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Daycares are active and playful environments, which can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can happen due to spilled liquids, toys left on the floor, or during active play, and often result in injuries such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones.

Ingesting Toxic Substances

If the daycare facility fails to keep hazardous materials in secure, out-of-reach places, children may accidentally consume harmful substances. These can include cleaning agents, medications, or other dangerous chemicals that are mistakenly accessible to children. Ingesting toxic chemicals can lead to serious health complications, including poisoning or internal injuries.

Burns from Hot Objects

Burns in daycare settings can arise from contact with hot objects or liquids. These incidents often happen in kitchen areas or during mealtimes when children might accidentally touch hot surfaces, foods, or beverages. While most burn injuries are minor, some children may suffer painful burns or scalds that require medical treatment.

Physical Abuse

Unfortunately, physical abuse can be a cause of injury in childcare settings. Abuse occurs more often than we may want to believe, usually inflicted by an adult caregiver or, in some cases, by other children. These incidents can have lasting psychological as well as physical effects on the child, which can greatly affect their quality of life.

Was Your Child Injured at a Washington Daycare?

If your child has sustained an injury in a Washington daycare setting, and you believe it was due to negligence or harmful actions, you may have the option to pursue legal action. Injuries in daycare can have long-term physical and emotional effects on a child and by filing a lawsuit, you could recover a financial settlement to help address these damages.

A Seattle daycare injury attorney can offer guidance and support in these situations, helping you navigate the complexities of the legal system to seek justice for your child. If you believe that you are eligible for litigation, schedule a free legal consultation and learn more about your legal options.