Child Has Permanent Scar from Fall at Daycare...

by Rosemary
(USA)

My daughter was at daycare and she fell and busted her nose. The daycare notified me by phone and I also signed an accident report. Now my daughter's nose has a scar.

She has been to the doctor who referred us to the dermatologist. The dermatologist said the scar is a direct result of the fall and will have to be surgically removed. I have pictures of her nose the same day it happened. It was REALLY BAD.

Can I sue the daycare? How much time do I have? What is the first step I should take? Thank you for your time.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Child Has Permanent Scar from Fall at Daycare...":

Rosemary (USA):

Taking your daughter to the correct doctors was very important. If you are gong to pursue a claim against the daycare center you will need to consider removing your daughter from their care.

It will be difficult to claim the daycare center was negligent and at the same time leave your daughter in their care. The day care center's representatives will want to know why you would leave your daughter in the same place you are alleging injured your child was injured.

Be sure to document your contact with the daycare center. Ask them for a copy of the Accident Report. They don’t have to give it to you at this juncture of the claim, but do your best to retrieve it.

Ask the doctors for written diagnoses and prognoses of your daughters injury. Those written documents will be very important in the pursuit of your claim.

There are some cases which don’t necessarily need the assistance of legal counsel. And there are some which do.

Because of the possibility of scarring, especially on your daughter’s face, we suggest you seek the advice of a local Personal Injury Attorney. Most will not charge or an initial office consultation.

Seeking legal counsel will apprise you of your rights, and the obligations of the daycare center. You will learn if you have a good case, and if so what it will take to pursue it successfully.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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