While abuse and negligence by a daycare provider is shocking, it is not uncommon. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there were roughly 2,700 instances of abuse by a daycare provider in 2010.
If you suspect your child has been neglected or abused at a daycare facility in or around Clarendon, SC, a daycare injury attorney can review your case and go over legal options. Of course, your first step should be to ensure the safety of your child.
What Constitutes Negligence of a South Carolina Daycare Provider?
.jpeg)
When you drop your child off at daycare, you should be able to rest easy knowing they’re safe and sound while you’re away. Unfortunately, daycare facilities are often overcrowded and understaffed, so in some cases children may not receive the proper care and supervision they require.
If a daycare provider fails to act reasonably and responsibly in regard to a child’s care, the facility or provider may be found negligent if your child is seriously injured or harmed.
Examples of negligence on behalf of a daycare provider include:
- Inadequate supervision – Inadequate supervision on the playground or in the facility may lead to children getting in dangerous, harmful situations When they do, injuries can follow.
- Unsafe, dangerous conditions – Poorly maintained playground equipment, broken toys, or other hazards at the facility may lead to serious injuries.
- Improper hiring practices – All daycare staff should be screened prior to being hired. Failure to do so may put children in the care of a dangerous individual.
If you believe your child has suffered serious harm due to the negligence of a daycare provider in or around Clarendon, SC, call a daycare injury attorney today.
Signs that May Indicate Negligence or Abuse
In order to keep children safe from the abuse or negligence of a daycare provider, it’s important to be able to recognize potential warning signs. While you may not have any professional child care training, you may still notice these new or modified behaviors on the part of your young one.
Watch out for the following red flags if you suspect negligence or abuse:
- fear of going to daycare;
- unexplained physical marks (bruises, cuts, etc.);
- emotional withdrawal;
- extreme behavioral changes;
- unusual symptoms around the genitals;
- urinary tract infections;
- bed wetting; and
- inappropriate sexual knowledge or curiosity.
If you notice any of these warning signs, report it to South Carolina Child Protective Services, ensure your child’s immediate safety, and contact a legal professional.
Filing a Claim for Daycare Abuse or Negligence
In order to prove negligence of a daycare provider, your attorney will need to prove four items:
- that the daycare provider owed a duty of care to your child,
- that the provider breached that duty,
- that the breach led to the harm or injury of the child, and
- damages were the result.
If these four elements of negligence can be proven, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a claim.
Did your child suffer abuse or neglect at a daycare facility? Call (803) 790-2800 to speak to a South Carolina daycare injury attorney at the Law Office of Kenneth Berger to discuss the negligence of a daycare provider. While based in Columbia, our legal practice extends to Orangeburg, Clarendon, Myrtle Beach and beyond.
