Daycare abuse is becoming a serious problem across the country. As families become more career-minded with both parents in the workforce, the number of children in daycare increases. As more and more stories of children being abused by daycare providers make the news, parents are understandably concerned.
As a parent, you must keep an active eye out for the telltale signs of child abuse, and act vigilantly if and when you suspect your child (or another child) is suffering from abuse in a Nevada day care facility.
Expectations of Quality Care
When parents drop their child off at daycare, they trust they’re leaving the child in a safe and loving environment with trained staff. Although many daycare operators in Nevada do the best they can with the children under their care, others may take a more laissez-faire approach when it comes to hiring, training and supervising employees and staff members.
Daycare providers have an obligation to eliminate any known dangers, make sure children are properly supervised, and other related duties. If caregivers do not adhere to the legal requirements, it can result in criminal charges and/or license revocation.
In some cases of daycare abuse, the day care facility may ultimately be responsible for the financial damages caused to your family as a result of the abuse (e.g., medical bills, therapy/counseling, alternative child care, etc). In order to seek compensation for your losses while not risking your own money to pursue such a claim, you’ll need to find a daycare abuse lawyer who will agree to handle your case on a no win, no fee basis.
Common Injuries in Daycare Centers
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, the most-commonly reported injuries that resulted from daycare negligence were cuts and lacerations, bumps and bruising, broken bones, and injuries to the teeth. While these and other physical injuries sometimes have obvious warning signs, most forms of abuse do not.
Physical abuse can be explained away by daycare workers as being caused by a fall or rough playing, but you need to listen to your child. Sexual abuse is one of the most-harmful types of abuse imaginable, and unfortunately, children are not always comfortable reporting it to their parents. Many abusers will use intimidation tactics to coerce the child into making up lies, and threaten that if they tell anyone, they will get in trouble as well and may be taken away from their parents.
You have to keep an open line of communication with your child. Ask them what happened at daycare on a regular basis. Assure them that they will never be punished for telling on their daycare teachers, or for telling you about anything that makes them feel sad, confused, scared or angry.
Making a Report
If you suspect that your child has been abused at daycare, report the incident to authorities in your state. While your claim is being investigated, you may also wish to contact a daycare abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options. While it is ultimately up to the state to bring criminal charges, you may have cause to bring a civil claim against the daycare provider in order to seek financial compensation. To speak with the attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm about your potential case, call us today at 1-877-403-9378 for a free consultation.
Daycare workers have a legal obligation to report any known or suspected cases of abuse regarding any children under their care. The Nevada Revised Statute 432B.220 requires that any suspicions of abuse be reported within 24 hours of the caregiver becoming aware. Additionally, child care providers in Washoe County must report any suspected abuse or neglect within one hour. Any caregiver who fails to report suspected abuse could be charged with a misdemeanor.
If your child was abused at daycare in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, or anywhere in Nevada, call us at 1-877-403-9378 to discuss your legal options moving forward.