Colburn Law

Seattle Daycare Injury Lawyer

Trusting your child to a daycare center or babysitter often comes with some reservations. No matter how much research you do, your child could end up in the wrong hands. If you receive a phone call that confirms your worst fears – your child has suffered an injury while at a daycare center – learn your rights with help from Colburn Law. Our Seattle daycare injury lawyers will stand up for your family during insurance settlement negotiations or a personal injury trial. Learn more about your case during a free consultation at our local law firm in Seattle.

Why Choose Colburn Law?

• We are always honest and upfront with our clients. We will give you an accurate evaluation of your claim, and we never charge any unexpected costs or hidden fees.
• We care about what happens to families in Seattle. Our firm is an important part of the community and is always looking for new ways to help local victims.
• We operate on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay a dime for legal services unless we secure you a settlement or jury verdict.

Do You Need an Attorney in Seattle?

Hiring a lawyer is the best way to protect your family and your child’s rights after a daycare or babysitter injury. Going up against an individual, a corporation, a product manufacturer, or multiple parties can be daunting alone. Our Seattle daycare injury attorneys know how to build strong personal injury cases that can result in maximum compensation for your losses. Let us handle your case while you focus on your child’s wellness and recovery.

What Are Common Types of Daycare Injuries?

In our years of practice, we have come to recognize some of the most common types of negligence-related injuries that may occur at a daycare center in Seattle. While any type of injury may be cause for concern, some point to child neglect or abuse more than others.

• Fall injuries
• Playground equipment accidents
• Bites, scratches, or bruises
• Burns
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries/dislocations
• Swimming pool accidents/injuries

It is a daycare center’s legal responsibility to ensure the reasonable safety of all its children. This takes regular property inspections, safety measures such as childproofing the room, and hiring and training responsible employees. If a daycare center fails in any of its responsibilities to a child, resulting in injuries, it could be liable for damages.

What Are My Rights if My Child is Injured at Daycare?

Most daycare centers in Seattle make parents or guardians sign liability waivers before accepting their children. Liability waivers typically state that the daycare center is not responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur on the property. These waivers do not, however, protect the daycare center from liability for negligence. If that were the case, a daycare center could get away with almost anything. A liability waiver may mean you cannot file a lawsuit for acts of God, but it does not bar you from filing a personal injury claim on the basis of negligence.

A daycare center may be liable for a child’s injuries if it or one of its employees breaches a duty of care to the child. If the daycare center acted or failed to act in a way that a reasonable and prudent facility would have in similar circumstances, it could be guilty of negligence. The daycare center may owe the parents of the child compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the child’s pain and suffering. Child abuse, negligent supervision, unsafe playground equipment, and dangerous premises are all common examples of daycare center negligence that can cause serious injuries.

Compensation Available in a Daycare Injury Lawsuit

The primary purpose of a personal injury claim is to help victims of negligence and their families make themselves whole following the traumatic event. Compensation in a daycare injury lawsuit typically falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses, while non-economic damages address physical and emotional pain and suffering. 

By filing a legal claim, your child and your family may be eligible for the following forms of compensation:

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: The lawsuit will cover all medical treatments related to the daycare injury, from immediate care to ongoing therapy. This ensures that the financial burden of medical bills does not fall on the family.
• Pain and Suffering Endured by Your Child: The impact of a daycare injury goes beyond just medical costs. In the lawsuit, a child can recover compensation for the emotional and physical distress that they have experienced due to the daycare’s negligence. 
• Parent’s Lost Wages: If a parent must take time off work to care for the injured child, the lawsuit may help pay for the lost income during that period. 
• Travel Expenses Related to Medical Care: In some cases, families may need to seek specialized medical care far away from where they live. Daycare injury settlements may cover the costs of traveling to and from medical appointments, including transportation, lodging, and meals.
• Disability Accommodations and Services: If the injury results in a long-term disability, this compensation helps cover the costs of necessary home modifications, specialized equipment, and services to assist the child in daily living.

What to Do If Your Child Is Injured While in Someone Else’s Care

When your child is injured in someone else’s care, it can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However, the steps that you take in the aftermath could affect your child’s well-being and any potential legal action. In these situations, keep the following actions in mind:

• Ensure That Your Child Seeks Medical Care: First, make sure that your child seeks medical care immediately. The daycare facility may contact emergency medical services on your behalf, but if your child has not been seen by a professional, go to the hospital as soon as possible. This step helps protect your child’s health and establishes medical records, which are crucial for future legal claims.
• Document As Much Evidence As Possible: Collect and preserve all possible evidence related to the injury, including photographs, witness statements, and relevant documents. This information is critical in building a strong legal case. Your attorney can also assist you in preserving evidence.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Avoid signing any documents from the daycare or their insurance company before consulting with an attorney. These documents might contain clauses that could impact your rights to legal action.
• File an Official Report, If Possible: If your child was injured at a licensed childcare facility, file a report with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families. You can contact the department at 1-866-END-HARM. For incidents that involve criminal activity, serious neglect, or imminent harm to children, call 911 and file a police report as well
• Contact a Daycare Injury Attorney: After a daycare injury, seeking legal advice is crucial An attorney from Colburn Law can guide you through the legal process and protect your child’s rights and welfare, advocating for their right to fair compensation.

Do You Offer a Free Consultation?

Yes, if your child recently suffered a serious injury while in the care of a daycare center, school, or babysitter, contact Colburn Law. We can evaluate your case and help you understand your family’s rights. Let us help you fight for justice and fair compensation in Seattle. Call 206-919-3215 today to request a free legal consultation.