When we send our kids off to daycare and nursery school, we expect that they will be taken care of and will be in a safe environment. However, unfortunately, sometimes the people that we trust to take care of our children can actually cause them harm. Recently, a daycare worker lost their job after being accused of putting tape over a child’s, mouth in downtown Little Rock.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services, who is responsible for overseeing the licensing of daycare centers launched an investigation over the incident. While the Methodist Child Development Center is not at risk of losing its license over the incident and was noted for having a sterling record, this incident does highlight a problem for many parents who trust their children to daycare centers.
Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law is dedicated to client service and aggressive representation. It’s our firm’s personal approach to the law and relationship with our clients that sets us apart. If your child has been injured while at daycare and you are concerned contact an experienced Arkansas daycare injury lawyer today. To schedule your free and confidential consultation call (479) 316-0438 or contact us online.
Common Daycare Injuries
While this unfortunate case should not be a reason for you to worry about your child when they are under the care and supervision of a daycare center it does draw attention to the fact that children are injured every day at daycare facilities. Children tend to be very accident prone, however, we expect that when we drop our children off at a daycare they will be supervised and not in harm’s way. However, some of the most common reasons why children are injured at daycare centers include:
- Playground injuries – Playing on the playground is a staple activity for children in daycare facilities. However, playgrounds can be dangerous places for children if they are not regularly inspected, maintained, and staffed by workers who are paying close attention to your children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that there are an estimated 200,000 children who are injured on playgrounds every year. This number does not include minor injuries which go unreported such as scraped knees and elbows but includes major and serious injuries including broken bones, internal injuries, and concussions.
- Falling objects – If you are the parent of a child of any age, you know that they tend to climb things to explore. The problem is that children are not as cautious as their older peers and will often climb and pull on things that should not be climbed on and pulled on. To prevent children from climbing on things and falling over it is important that you anchor to the wall and remove heavy objects that can fall off shelves. However, falling objects are a problem at many daycare centers such as bookshelves, dressers, television stands, and tables. Daycare facilities have an obligation to ensure that their centers are suitable and safe for children to be in and around. Therefore, daycare centers generally should be cautious of having large unsecured objects in their premises.
When to Contact an Arkansas Daycare Injury Attorney?
Our children are precious to us, and as parents, we do everything we can to make sure that they are protected and taken care of. However, what happens if we entrust our children to the care of a daycare facility and they are injured during the course of the day. While many parents are accustomed to small bumps, bruises, and scrapes, injuries at day care centers are not always that easy, and children can suffer broken bones or internal injuries while under the care of a daycare center. However, if your child has been injured you may not be sure if you should contact an attorney, or if your child’s injury should just be chalked up to being an accident.
As the above news article points out, there are times when a daycare center worker engages in behavior that is wholly unacceptable and dangerous to a child’s well-being. While the above mentioned incident did not indicate that the child was injured in any way, it does highlight one basis and reason why a parent may choose to contact an experienced daycare negligence attorney. If your child’s injuries were the result of a worker or care provider’s intentional action then you may be able to recover for your child’s injuries under an intentional tort theory. Some of the intentional torts include terms that are similar to criminal law terms, however, there are slight differences. In a simple explanation, an intentional tort is an intentional act committed by another that causes some injury to another person. While we hope that these events never happen to your child, there have been reports of daycare workers committing assault and battery against children, as well as inflicting undue emotional distress on a child.
However, the more familiar basis for a daycare center being held liable for a child’s injury is based on the theory of negligence. Negligence actions are brought when a person who owes a duty of care to another, in this case, a daycare center worker towards a child, breaches that duty by acting below a reasonable standard of behavior, and their actions or inactions has caused an injury to your child. This can include failing to supervise a child properly, by maintaining unsafe premises, by failing to inspect equipment and the surroundings, or even violating a criminal statute.
Contact an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney if Your Child’s Been Harmed at Daycare
Many parents rely on daycare centers so they can work. However, when we leave our children in the care of another we expect only the best for our children. When your child is injured while they are under the care of another you may feel many emotions and even anger. However, if your child has been injured because of another’s neglect or negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
For nearly 20 years, Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law has provided respected and trusted legal advice to people throughout the state of Arkansas. Whether you are seeking Social Security representation, a personal injury litigator, or help with a wrongful death claim, Fayetteville personal injury lawyer Ken is eager to get to know you and understand your situation. For your free and confidential legal consultation call us at (479) 316-0438 or contact us online.