Daycare Abuse, SC
By nature, we rely on daycare or childcare establishments to ensure the safety of our children while we are absent. This involves setting high standards in terms of their health, security, and supervision. If our trust is breached through instances of maltreatment, disregard, or other detrimental actions, we will exert our utmost effort in holding the daycare facility accountable for their transgressions.
What can you as a parent do to hold the daycare that abused your child accountable? Give our personal injury and premises liability attorneys a call to schedule a consultation.
Signs of Abuse from a Daycare
Unfortunately, there are some signs that could be evidence of your child experiencing some sort of neglect. These signs are often present in cases involving child daycare centers with bad practices or worse, bad employees. If you see your child change their mood or behavior or any of the following signs, it could be time to investigate whether or not that daycare is as trustworthy as it seems.
- Changes in behavior such as being withdrawn or shy
- Flinching in response to movements
- Aggressive behavior towards siblings or pets
- Hunger and thirst at pick-up time
- Regressive behavior like bedwetting, thumb sucking, excessive crying, or clinginess
- Reluctance to attend daycare
- Displaying fear or anxiety towards daycare or staff
- Unexplained bruises, scratches or other injuries
Of course, these signs could be coincidences or they could be related to something other than the daycare the child or children go to. Still, if you have a suspicion that your child is being mistreated or harmed at their daycare, it is important to trust your instincts and seek assistance from our knowledgeable lawyers who specialize in cases of childcare abuse and neglect.
What to do if your child is harmed at a daycare
How a child could get hurt in a negligent daycare
- Unsafe Daycare Space: It is the responsibility of the daycare operator and staff to ensure that the premises are safe and secure for children, free from any potential hazards that may cause harm. This includes ensuring that sharp or dangerous materials are not accessible, medications are stored safely, and kitchen or cooking facilities have limited access to prevent burn injuries.
- Too Few Staff: Unfortunately, businesses often prioritize cost-cutting, leading to understaffing. When daycares operate with inadequate staffing levels, it increases the risk of preventable harm to children.
- Untrained/Underqualified Employees: Background checks play a crucial role in this process. In the event that a daycare center carelessly hires an individual who is unsuitable to work with children, the owner or manager may be accountable for any resulting harm.
Your options as a parent
If you suspect neglect or abuse at a daycare, there are several courses of action available to you. The first and foremost priority is to take steps to ensure your child’s safety by removing them from the dangerous environment. You can reach out to local law enforcement, who can connect you with the appropriate agencies, or directly contact South Carolina Child Protective Services for assistance.
In addition, seeking the services of an experienced attorney who has dealt with criminal defense and personal injury. Our attorneys possess the legal expertise and resources necessary to navigate insurance claims, civil actions, and potentially bringing criminal charges.
If you believe your child has been harmed or that a daycare is running with unsafe practices or without the childrens’ best interest in mind, give us a call.
