According to the National Institutes of Health, each year, thousands of children suffer injuries due to daycare medication errors.
Today, we’re going to discuss the types of medication error injuries, the harm they cause, and the crucial steps daycares should take to prevent these injuries from occurring. Before we get into our list, it’s important to note that caregivers cannot give children medication without approval from parents – even for over-the-counter medications like Benadryl and ibuprofen.
If they administer these medications without parental approval, they are in direct violation of the law. Now, one of the most common types of medication error injuries we see is incorrect dosages of medications being given to children. Giving a child an incorrect dosage can have serious consequences, especially because younger children’s bodies are small and still developing.
Medications given during the child’s time at daycare should have precise dosage instructions for caregivers to prevent injuries. Another common medication error at daycare that can lead to serious injuries is administering the wrong medication. This might happen if a caregiver administers medication that was meant for another child. Caregivers must diligently check and double-check medication labels to avoid these situations. Outside of prescription medications, exposure to harmful drugs, whether through accidental ingestion or contact, is a significant concern.
Daycare facilities should be vigilant in keeping harmful substances out of the daycare and ensure a drug and alcohol-free environment. We recently handled a case where multiple children were hospitalized after a daycare employee left THC gummies out, and children were able to ingest them. The children sustained life-threatening injuries and had to be hospitalized due to the negligence of the daycare. Medication errors like these commonly lead to injuries like:
- Overdoses
- Allergic reactions
- And death
It's crucial to address how these situations can be prevented.
Here are some key steps:
Clear communication between parents and caregivers is crucial. Caregivers must receive detailed instructions on medication administration, ensuring there's no room for misunderstanding. Daycare facilities must maintain a drug-free environment, regularly inspecting and securing potential hazards.
Proper storage and labeling of medications are vital to preventing accidental exposures. A well-defined emergency plan can make all the difference.
Caregivers should be trained to respond swiftly and effectively to medication-related emergencies, minimizing the impact on a child's health.
If your child has been seriously injured due to a daycare medication error, know that you're not alone. The Button Law Firm is here to provide the support and get the justice your family deserves. If you want more information on steps to take after your child suffered a daycare injury but aren’t ready to talk to us just yet, be sure to download our free guide, 5 Steps to Take After a Daycare Injury, linked below.
We're here to keep you and your family moving forward.
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