Entrusting your child to a daycare in New York City should bring peace of mind, not fear. Unfortunately, when negligence, abuse, or unsafe conditions occur, the consequences can be devastating. Whether harm results from an accident, neglect, or abuse, you have the legal right to seek justice and compensation.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is a top-rated NYC daycare negligence and abuse law firm with offices throughout the five boroughs. We represent parents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
What Is Daycare Negligence?
Daycare negligence occurs when a New York childcare facility or staff member fails to meet the standard of care required to keep children safe. Common examples include:
- Inadequate supervision
- Unsafe environments or lack of safety measures
- Failure to prevent accidents
- Improper or insufficient staff training
- Ignoring medical needs
- Overcrowding or understaffing
Negligence can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term developmental harm.
Types of Daycare Abuse in NYC
Daycare abuse refers to physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful harm inflicted on a child under supervision. It may involve:
- Physical abuse – hitting, shoving, kicking, shaking, burning
- Sexual abuse – inappropriate touching, coercion, exposure to sexual content
- Emotional abuse – humiliation, threats, intimidation, constant criticism
- Neglect – failure to provide food, water, hygiene, medical care, or proper supervision
Warning Signs of Daycare Neglect or Abuse
Children—especially toddlers—may be unable or afraid to verbalize abuse. Look for:
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Fear of going to daycare or certain staff members
- Regression in toilet training or developmental milestones
- Poor hygiene, frequent soiled diapers, or signs of malnutrition
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Sexualized behavior unusual for their age
If you notice any of these, act immediately to protect your child.
Common Daycare Injuries in New York City
Due to negligence or unsafe environments, children may suffer:
- Playground accidents
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns from hot surfaces or liquids
- Swimming pool drownings
- Poisoning from unsafe chemicals or spoiled food
- Head injuries or concussions
- Slip and fall accidents
Even if the provider is a trusted friend or family member, you can still pursue a claim—in most cases, their insurance covers lawsuit expenses.
New York State Daycare Laws
Under New York law, childcare providers must:
- Maintain safe facilities and playgrounds
- Meet staff-to-child ratios set by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- Complete background checks and training
- Report suspected child abuse as mandatory reporters
Failure to follow these laws can result in both civil liability and criminal charges.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Daycare Abuse in NYC
- Ensure your child’s safety – If in immediate danger, call 911.
- Seek medical attention – Have a doctor evaluate and document injuries.
- Document everything – Injuries, behavioral changes, and conversations with staff.
- Report to authorities – Contact NYC Child Protective Services or the NYPD.
- Notify the daycare – Send a written notice to the director.
- Call an experienced New York daycare abuse attorney – Legal counsel can start an investigation and file claims.
Proving Daycare Negligence in New York
To win a daycare injury case, your attorney must prove:
- Duty of Care – The daycare was responsible for your child’s safety.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that responsibility.
- Causation – This failure directly caused your child’s harm.
- Damages – Medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.
Evidence often includes incident reports, witness statements, security footage, and medical records.
How Our NYC Daycare Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Greenstein & Pittari will:
- Investigate the facility and staff
- Collect surveillance, staff records, and witness statements
- Work with medical and child psychology experts
- File lawsuits and negotiate with insurance companies
- Fight for maximum compensation for medical care, therapy, and emotional damages
Why Act Quickly
New York statutes of limitations limit the time you have to file a daycare injury or abuse lawsuit. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and your case remains strong.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari
- Local NYC offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services
- Hundreds of positive reviews
- Award-winning NYC personal injury attorneys
📞 Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation.