No parent can be present 24 hours a day to constantly watch their child. At some point, they need to trust caregivers to monitor their safety and happiness.  Unfortunately, there are cases of child neglect at day care centers, which can leave lingering wounds on the child and shatter the trust the parents once had. Personal injury law provides legal channels that you can follow to seek compensation for damages; however, you first need to know the signs to look out for.

What Are Indications of Childcare Negligence?

1. Your Child's Basic Needs Aren't Met

If you notice that your child is consistently hungry, thirsty, or in need of the bathroom immediately after picking them up from day care, they may be suffering from some extent of neglect. Similarly, be mindful of any new or sudden weight loss, as well as symptoms of dehydration, like reduced urine output, cold skin, sunken eyes, and low energy levels.

If you notice a new cut, bruise, or scrape, check that it has been properly cleaned and dressed. Issues in any of these areas could signal that your child's basic needs aren't being met while they’re away.

2. Your Child Becomes Withdrawn

Withdrawal from life and from previously enjoyed activities is a common red flag of neglect. Kids sometimes don't have the words to express how they're feeling or what their day has been like, so they will turn this frustration inward and start to pull back. This can manifest as sadness, depression, anxiety, or resistance to going to day care.

3. Your Child Has Frequent Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a skin inflammation on the buttocks. The majority of kids experience diaper rash at some point, but if it's a chronic problem that's especially noticeable after day care visits, it can be an indicator that the child's diaper isn't being changed often enough. The child could be sitting in a wet or dirty diaper for so long that it is irritating their skin.

If you suspect day care neglect, explore your options with a personal injury law attorney. Reed & Terry, L.L.P., has been representing the Fort Bend and Harris County, TX, region since 1994. They offer legal services in all types of personal injury law cases, including day care neglect, auto accidents, and wrongful deaths. Call (281) 491-5000 or visit their website to learn more about their practice areas.