Negligent Day Care Center

Injuries are the number one cause of death for young children. In fact, if you add up childhood fatalities from the next nine causes of death, injuries tops all of them combined. Children can be injured in many ways, but falls are the most common cause of serious injuries and death. In day care centers, falls are the main cause of hospitalization in children between birth and age five. Falls are more responsible for serious injuries than burns, lacerations, and poisoning combined. Contact a Boston Injury Lawyer Today.

Minor injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, are typically a normal part of growing up. But more serious injuries can, and do, occur. Most accidents in day care centers are just that, accidents. However, some do involve a level of negligence. If your child is seriously injured in an accident that should have been easily prevented, negligence may have played a role. Sometimes day care centers are understaffed, or staff is overworked. Equipment may be defective, outdated, rusted, worn, or have sharp edges. Lack of adequate supervision is a common factor in serious day care injuries. There is a much higher incidence of injury when children are not in view of a caregiver.

While most day care injuries are minor, serious accidents can also occur. The most common causes of serious injuries and death in young children include:

• Falls
• Poisoning
• Drowning
• Choking
• Strangulation
• Head injuries
• Playground injuries
• Burns
• Falling objects

The good news is, most day care centers follow safety guidelines and are staffed with well-trained, responsible caregivers. If you are choosing a day care center, the following questions will help you determine if the center is the right fit for your child’s unique needs.

1. What is the ratio of children to caregivers?
2. Does the center follow state safety and staffing guidelines?
3. Is the center licensed by the state?
4. Does the center require annual physical exams and immunizations?
5. What is the center’s emergency plan for medical, fire, and disasters?
6. Does the center have a well-stocked, easily accessible first-aid kit that meets OSHA standards?
7. Is the phone number for Poison Control prominently displayed?
8. How are children’s medications stored and managed?
9. Does each child have his or her own file with contact, health, and emergency information?
10. Are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in working order?
11. Is there a fence around the playground?

In addition to the above questions, you should also take the following steps before deciding on a day care center:

• Interview each caregiver - ask about length of employment and opinions / feelings about the center
• Visit the center during the day, while children are present
• Check bathrooms and kitchen for cleanliness
• Inspect building structure, playground equipment, and indoor equipment
• Inspect toys to make sure they are clean, safe, and age appropriate

While the above tips and questions cannot guarantee that your child will never be injured, they can dramatically reduce the risk.

If your child was injured at a day care center and you think negligence may have been a factor, the legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help you determine your rights. Our compassionate, knowledgeable injury team understands the emotional complexities of injury cases involving children. We will make sure that you fully understand your options before moving forward. If negligence was responsible for your child’s injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and even time off work. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free consultation about your case.