What to Do After a Daycare or School Injury in California
When your child is hurt in someone else's care, their recovery comes first. When you are ready, a few steps can protect your family's options — including a deadline that can be surprisingly short.
Care for your child first
Get your child medical care and keep the records. Their wellbeing matters more than anything else, and there is no rush to think about the rest.
Get the facility’s incident report
Ask the daycare or school for a written incident report and how it happened. Note who was supervising, the time, and what the facility tells you, and photograph any visible injuries.
Watch for a short public-school deadline
If it is a public school, a claim may require a government notice within just months — even though children have longer for other claims. This surprises many parents.
Preserve the records
Incident reports, staffing records, and camera footage are controlled by the facility and can be lost. Requesting them in writing, and getting help to preserve them, protects the claim.
A gentle conversation, when you are ready
A free, confidential conversation can explain your options, protect any deadline, and take on the investigation — so your family can focus on your child.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait until my child is better to look into a claim?
Care for your child first, always. But do not wait too long to at least ask — especially for a public school, a short deadline may apply. A brief, free conversation can protect your options without adding to your plate.
This article is general information about California injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
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