No parent wants to imagine their child being drugged at daycare, but it’s a heartbreaking reality for some families. Our daycare and child injury lawyers explain what you need to know about how these situations occur and what to look out for to protect your child.
How Children Are Exposed to Drugs at Daycare
There are several ways children can come into contact with drugs while at daycare, often due to negligence or a lack of proper safety protocols. Here are some common scenarios:
1. Medication Errors
Sometimes, children are mistakenly given the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. This can happen if daycare staff confuse medications or fail to follow protocols, leading to serious health consequences for the affected child.
2. Intentional Use of Sedatives
A deeply concerning issue is when daycare staff purposefully administer sedatives, such as Benadryl or other sleep-inducing medications, to calm or manage children. Even if the intention seems benign, this poses serious health risks and is a direct violation of daycare safety standards. No caregiver should administer medication without explicit parental approval.
3. Accidental Consumption of Drugs
Young children are naturally curious and may mistake drug-laced edibles, such as THC-infused treats, for regular candy or snacks. If these substances are accessible in the daycare environment, the risk of accidental consumption increases significantly.
The Potential Impact of Drug Exposure
The effects of drug exposure can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. Here are some common health consequences that children may suffer:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Loss of Coordination
- Respiratory Distress
In severe cases, exposure can lead to seizures, coma, or even permanent organ damage.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If you suspect your child may have been drugged while at daycare, it’s crucial to be aware of key symptoms. Watch for:
- Excessive drowsiness or unusual tiredness
- Sudden or unexplained changes in mood or behavior
- Physical symptoms such as nausea or vomiting
These indicators could signal that your child has been exposed to a drug.
Taking Action: What to Do If You Suspect Drugging
If you believe your child has been drugged at daycare, act quickly:
- Remove Your Child from the Daycare
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention to assess and document any symptoms.
- Document Observations, including your child’s symptoms and any concerning events you noticed.
- Report Your Concerns to the appropriate authorities to ensure other children are protected and an investigation is launched.
- Contact a daycare injury attorney to seek justice and prevent future incidents from occurring at your child's daycare.
How The Button Law Firm Can Help
Daycare injuries, especially those involving drug exposure, can be devastating. At The Button Law Firm, we understand the emotional and physical toll on families and are committed to fighting for justice. If your child has been harmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.
We’ve also created a free, 5-step guide on what to do after a daycare injury, which you can access if you need more information but aren’t ready to speak with us yet.
.png)
.png)
