While the vast majority of LA childcare providers are safe, there are many hazards that must be monitored:

• Access to unprotected entrances or stairwells
• Contact with toxic chemicals in cleaning supplies, medicines and other substances that are not properly stored in cabinets with protective safety-latches
• Dangerous exposure to sharp implements such as knives, unsafe scissors and razors
• Furniture that is poorly manufactured or maintained and contains splinters, rusty nails or lead paint
• Recalled children’s toys, cribs, and furniture

To ensure the safety of all children in a daycare center, the staff, management and ownership must:

• Post telephone numbers for the police, fire department, hospital, ambulance and poison control center by each telephone;
• Ensure that a first aid kit is within easy reach and is completely stocked;
• Keep poisonous materials out of the children’s reach:
• Guarantee that children are protected from allergens or foods that pose a danger to them.

Staff involved in direct care at daycare centers, including family home caregivers, should be certified in pediatric first aid, including rescue breathing and first aid for choking. At least one certified staff person should be with the children at all times and in all places where children are in care. If children are not appropriately supervised, catastrophe can result.

While a price tag cannot be put on a child’s suffering, our lawyers know that you may need substantial compensation for your family’s medical bills. Caring for your injured child may also require you to miss work to attend doctors’ appointments. We may be able to help you get compensation as we have helped others. For instance, we secured a $172,414.00 structured settlement for one of our clients whose child sustained a fractured arm at daycare. A pre-litigation offer of $40,000 was made but a lawsuit was ultimately filed. Though the case had numerous challenges, we were able to negotiate the settlement after discovery, multiple depositions and mediation.