What to Do if Your Child Suffers an Elbow Injury at Daycare

Recognize the Symptoms

First, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of nursemaid’s elbow. The most common signs include a sudden refusal to use the arm, holding the arm slightly bent at the elbow and close to the body, and crying or showing distress when the arm is moved. If you observe these symptoms, acting promptly is crucial to ensure your child gets the necessary medical care.

Communicate with Your Child

Depending on your child’s age, they may be able to provide valuable information about how the injury occurred. Ask gentle, open-ended questions to help you understand the situation better:

“Can you tell me what happened before your arm started hurting?”
“Was someone holding your arm when it started hurting?”

This can give you insight into whether the injury was accidental or a result of mishandling by a caregiver.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Once you suspect that your child has a nursemaid’s elbow injury, seek immediate medical attention. This injury, while painful, is typically treatable by a healthcare professional who can perform a quick maneuver to reposition the bone. Delaying treatment could result in prolonged pain and discomfort for your child, so it’s essential to act quickly.

Request an Incident Report from the Daycare

Request an incident report from the daycare as soon as possible. Provide them with details about the symptoms you observed and the medical advice you received. Ensure the report includes the date, time, and circumstances surrounding the injury. Ask the daycare staff to explain what happened and how the injury occurred. This step is crucial for understanding the incident, preventing similar occurrences in the future, and maintaining accurate records.

Document Everything

Proper documentation is key in cases of injury. Make sure you:

Obtain a Written Report: Get a detailed report from the daycare outlining the circumstances of the injury.
Take Photographs: Capture photos of your child’s arm before and after treatment to document the injury and recovery process.
Keep Medical Records: Maintain all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment provided, and follow-up care instructions.

These documents will be crucial if you decide to pursue any legal action or need to file an insurance claim.

Understand Your Legal Rights after a Daycare Injury

As a parent, you have the right to expect a safe environment for your child at daycare. If the injury occurred due to negligence or improper handling by daycare staff, you might have grounds for a legal claim. Consult with a daycare and childcare injury lawyer to explore your options. The Button Law Firm focuses on such cases and can provide the guidance and support you need to protect your child’s rights.

Review Daycare Policies and Training

Investigate the daycare’s policies and staff training procedures. Ensure they have clear guidelines on handling children safely. Ask about their protocols for preventing injuries like nursemaid’s elbow and how they respond when injuries occur. If the daycare lacks proper training or safety measures, it might be worth reconsidering if it’s the best environment for your child.

Consider Alternative Childcare Options

If the injury was caused by negligence or improper handling, you might need to explore alternative childcare options. Your child’s safety is paramount, and finding a daycare that adheres to strict safety guidelines is essential.

To learn more about finding a safe daycare for your child, download our free guide, 10 Tips for Finding a Safe Daycare. Click here to download it now.

Monitor Your Child’s Recovery

After treatment, it’s crucial to follow up with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure full recovery. Monitor your child for any recurring symptoms and keep regular check-ups as advised.

Contact our Daycare and Childcare Injury Lawyers Today

Dealing with a nursemaid elbow injury can be stressful, but taking the right steps can ensure your child’s well-being and help prevent future incidents. The Button Law Firm is dedicated to helping families navigate these challenging situations. If you believe your child’s injury was due to daycare negligence, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation. Your child’s safety and your peace of mind are our top priorities.

If you have more questions and would like to speak to a member of our team, be sure to contact us. Our team has experience holding negligent daycares accountable after they caused serious injuries to children.

You can reach us by calling (214)699-4409 or by filling out a contact form at the bottom of this page. You can also speak to a member of our team by starting a chat. Our team is available 24/7, and we’re always ready to help.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Texas Daycare Abuse Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has a child who was harmed by their daycare teacher, contact our firm. We know how difficult getting through this can be. Our experienced team wants to help guide you – as we have helped guide many parents and families within Midland, Houston, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at [email protected]. You can also reach out to us by filling out the form below or by starting a chat with a member of our team.