Types of Daycare Negligence in Virginia
It is a fact – most daycares and their staffs are committed to the well-being of the children they are tasked with watching. This is great news for parents everywhere, but unfortunately, some daycares are not fully concerned with the children they are caring for, and if your child is currently enrolled in such a facility, you may want to keep your eyes out for signs of neglect.
Numerous types of daycare negligence in Virginia occur in childcare settings, and sometimes, they can be fatal. No child should ever be forced to attend an unsafe daycare, especially if they are being neglected.
If you believe your child may have been subjected to neglect in a daycare, you may have legal options at your disposal. Contact a seasoned daycare negligence lawyer today.
Common Forms of Daycare Negligence
Many types of daycare negligence in Virginia can occur in a childcare facility or similar setting. Some of these types include:
- Failure to Create a Safe Environment
Failing to secure a safe and stable environment can be a serious problem for daycares. Children who have access to dangerous objects, corrosive chemicals, large objects that could easily fall over, or unlocked doors are at risk of injury, and in the worst cases, death. Daycares should be sure to lock doors and windows so outside intruders cannot enter. Building and fire codes should also be followed, so the building itself remains safe.
- Failure to Supervise
Daycares must supervise the children they are tasked with caring for. Without supervision, a child can easily harm themselves or others. If a child wanders off, consumes a dangerous substance, or assaults another child, caretakers may be held legally and financially liable.
- Failure to Screen New Employees
Daycare centers should carefully screen potential employees before extending offers of employment. In addition to performing an adequate background check, daycares should check with former employers of applicants to ensure they have the skills necessary to perform the job. If a daycare does not conduct a background check and hires a dangerous employee who causes harm to the children, they may be held liable.
- Failure to Keep Food Allergies in Mind
Some children have severe food allergies, which daycares should take into consideration when serving food. Caretakers should be sure other children do not bring foods that can cause allergic reactions in others to the facility. All caretakers should be aware of food allergies.
Accidents happen, but when a mistake is caused by carelessness or recklessness, the stakes increase; this is especially true if the accident in question is preventable.
Signs of Daycare Negligence
Noticing signs of neglect can be difficult, especially since it often does not leave physical signs behind like abuse. However, with careful observation, parents may pick up on their child exhibiting the following signs of neglect:
- Dirty skin or clothing
- Nervous or erratic behavior prior to attending daycare
- Constant hunger or thirst
- Bite marks, scratches, or bruises left by other children
- Inadequate number of staff members
The signs listed above are not the only ones, but they are some of the most common. Avoidant daycare attendants or administrators may also attempt to cover up negligence. Daycares owe a duty of care to the children they are caring for, and when they do not take this duty seriously, they should be held liable.
Learn More About Types of Daycare Negligence in Virginia
If you believe your child was subjected to one of the types of daycare negligence in Virginia listed above, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering of your child. No child should be subjected to negligence, and if a daycare does engage in neglect, they should not be allowed to continue operation.
Contact an attorney today to discuss your case with a legal professional.
