By Melissa Westberg |  Partner  |  Seattle Office

 When we entrust our children to a daycare, we expect that they will be cared for with the same attention and love we give them at home. But the truth is, daycare injuries are more common than many parents realize, and the systems in place to protect children don’t always go far enough. 

As a mom myself who has had my own kids in daycare, I understand the challenges parents face: the endless waitlists, the scramble to secure a spot, and the constant worry about whether our children are truly safe and well cared for. I’m also an attorney who specializes in daycare negligence cases, and over the years, I’ve helped families navigate the heartbreaking aftermath of serious injuries caused by daycare negligence.

Here’s What Every Parent Should Know About Daycare Centers

Daycare centers are typically required to meet licensing standards set by the state, but here’s the hard truth: licensing is just the floor, not the ceiling. State requirements are designed to set the bare minimum for health and safety — they do not guarantee that your child won’t be harmed or that the daycare is free from negligence. A licensed center can still have serious lapses in supervision, unsafe equipment, poorly designed or maintained facilities, and questionable judgment by caretakers. Behind the scenes, many daycares struggle with issues like understaffing, high employee turnover, the use of age-inappropriate toys or equipment, and lax oversight from regulators. Together, these challenges create an environment where mistakes are more likely, and unfortunately, it is the children who suffer the consequences.

If your child is injured at daycare, your actions can make a major difference in protecting their rights and ensuring accountability. Here’s a simple roadmap to follow: 

  • Request and preserve all incident reports. Ask the daycare, in writing, for copies of all incident reports or internal documentation related to injuries, and any video footage that may have captured the incident.
  • Document everything in writing. Follow up on verbal conversations with emails or written notes. Who did you speak to? What did they say? What explanation was offered?
  • Start a journal. Write down your observations — not just about the incident, but about your child’s physical and emotional recovery. Note doctor’s visits, changes in behavior, pain, sleep disturbances, or anxiety.
  • Keep photos and medical records. Take photos of visible injuries and the area of the daycare where the injury occurred, and save all medical paperwork, including bills and discharge instructions.
  • Consider reporting to the proper authorities. Washington’s State Department of Children, Youth & Families investigates complaints of serious injury or neglect, including when a daycare is involved. Cases involving sexual abuse or other criminal acts should also be reported to the police.  
  • Consider consulting a lawyer. An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether there is a viable legal claim and guide you through the next steps.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

Daycare injuries are not just “accidents” — they’re often preventable, and they deserve to be taken seriously. While no parent wants to imagine the worst, being informed and prepared empowers you to protect your child when it matters most. If you have questions about a daycare injury, we are here to help. 

GLP Attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury daycare cases. Melissa Westberg, a Partner at GLP Attorneys, brings both legal skill and personal insight to her work. She is dedicated to ensuring every client feels heard, valued, and supported. Call (800)273–5005 for a free consultation.