Is It Normal For Toddlers To Get Hurt At Day Care?

Is your child coming home from daycare with unexplained bruises or injuries? As a parent, you don’t want to suspect that something isn’t quite right at your child’s daycare. Children are naturally curious and energetic, making them prone to accidents and falls. With this in mind, it is not uncommon for children to experience minor scrapes and bruises while playing at daycare. 

However, certain warning signs may indicate a more serious issue. If your child consistently comes home with injuries that seem excessive or unexplained, you may understandably wonder, “Is it normal for children to fall at daycare?” What are the warning signs of daycare negligence or abuse? What steps can you take to protect your little one?

At Mike Morse Law Firm, our seasoned legal professionals pride ourselves on providing peace of mind to families – including those affected by daycare negligence or abuse. If you suspect your child has been a victim of abuse or neglect at a daycare center, trust in the experienced lawyers at Michigan’s largest personal injury law firm. Call us toll-free at 800-MIKE-WINS to schedule a free consultation.

What Parents Should Know About Daycare Neglect or Abuse

Falls at daycare are not uncommon occurrences, as children are naturally active and curious beings. However, there is a fine line between normal falls and those that may indicate negligence or abuse by daycare staff.Ensuring the safety and well-being of your child in daycare requires being both observant and proactive.

Below are detailed signs that may indicate an inadequate or unsafe daycare facility:

• Inconsistent routines: Children thrive on routine. If the daycare’s schedule for meals, naps, and playtime is erratic, it can cause stress and confusion for the children.
• Lack of basic supplies: A well-run daycare will always have sufficient supplies of food, water, diapers, and first-aid materials. Shortages indicate poor management.
• Broken equipment: Inspect toys and playground equipment for any signs of wear and tear that could cause injury. Broken swings, slides, or sharp edges on toys are potential hazards.
• Inadequate safety measures: Look for safety features such as safety gates at staircases, locked cabinets for hazardous materials, covered electrical outlets, and secured furniture to prevent tipping.
• Dirty facilities: Check for general cleanliness. Dirty floors, sticky surfaces, and unclean bathrooms can indicate neglect. 
• Unsanitary conditions: Observe how food is handled and served. Ensure that caregivers wash their hands regularly, especially after changing diapers or before feeding children. Changing tables should be sanitized after each use.

When Changes in Your Child Are Signs of Daycare Abuse

When you entrust your children to a daycare facility, you expect them to be cared for in a nurturing and safe environment. However, there are times when this trust may be broken. 

Sadly, child abuse and neglect are quite common – at least 1 in 7children were victimized in one recent year. What if you suspect your child has also been harmed?

You may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek justice and prevent further harm. To build your case, look for these and other signs of abuse and neglect.

Physical indicators

Look out for bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures that your child cannot explain or seem inconsistent with typical childhood accidents. Pay particular attention to repeated injuries in the same area or injuries that appear after returning from daycare.

Persistent illnesses, such as colds or infections, might indicate poor hygiene practices at the daycare. Watch for signs of malnutrition or dehydration, such as sudden weight loss or constant thirst.

Behavioral changes

Sudden changes in behavior (such as becoming withdrawn, unusually quiet, aggressive, or fearful) can be red flags. Children who experience abuse or neglect may have difficulty expressing their emotions and may exhibit these behaviors as a result. Regressing to earlier developmental stages – like bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, or loss of language skills – may be a sign of emotional distress or trauma.

Extreme fear or anxiety about going to daycare or being separated from you could also indicate that something is wrong, especially for children who were previously comfortable with going to daycare.

Emotional and psychological signs

If your child starts having frequent nightmares, trouble sleeping, or other sleep disturbances, it may be due to anxiety or fear stemming from daycare experiences. A sudden drop in confidence, self-esteem, or self-worth can indicate emotional abuse or neglect.

Reluctance to discuss daycare

Children may avoid talking about their daycare experiences or show signs of distress when the topic is brought up. This reluctance can be a coping mechanism to avoid reliving traumatic experiences. Pay attention to how your child talks about his or her caregivers. Consistent negative descriptions or fear of specific individuals could be cause for concern.

What to Do If Your Child Has Fallen at Daycare

As a parent, your instincts are a powerful tool. Open communication with your child, observing his or her behavior, and maintaining regular dialogue with daycare staff are crucial steps in ensuring your child’s safety. If something feels off about your child’s daycare experience, it is wise to trust your gut and investigate further.

If you suspect that your child is a victim of abuse or neglect at his or her daycare, it’s important to act swiftly by:

• Documenting everything: Keep detailed records of any signs of abuse or neglect, including dates, descriptions of injuries, and changes in behavior. Photographs can also be valuable evidence.
• Seeking medical attention: If your child has physical injuries or shows signs of emotional distress, seek medical or psychological evaluation promptly.
• Reporting your concerns: Report your suspicions to local child protective services or law enforcement. They can investigate and take necessary actions to ensure your child’s safety and the safety of other children.
• Consulting a legal professional: Consider consulting a daycare injury attorney who knows how to handle daycare injury cases. Our attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and advocate for your child’s rights.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a serious step but can be a crucial one in protecting your child and holding negligent parties accountable. Remember, seeking justice is not only about your child but also about preventing the same harm to other kids. You are not alone in this process, and there are resources and professionals available to support you every step of the way.

Who Is Liable for Daycare Abuse or Neglect?

Determining liability for daycare abuse or neglect can involve various parties – depending on the circumstances of the case.The daycare facility itself, staff members, and third parties can be held liable for abuse or neglect if it fails to provide adequate care and supervision for the children in its custody. 

This liability can arise from:

• Negligent hiring and training
• Inadequate supervision
• Failure to maintain a safe environment

Seeking Justice for Your Child After Suffering Daycare Abuse or Neglect

It’s essential for parents to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to their children’s safety and well-being at daycare. While falls may happen occasionally and are a normal part of childhood development, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs of negligence or abuse.

As a parent, you have the power to advocate for your child’s rights. If you suspect that your child has been a victim of daycare negligence or abuse, do not hesitate to take action. By reaching out for support, you can begin the process of seeking justice for your child and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Take the first step towards finding peace of mind by scheduling a free consultation with our team of dedicated attorneys. We invite you to contact us at 855-MIKE-WINS to schedule a review of your case. Your child deserves justice, and we are here to make that happen.