Who Must Protect a Child from Sunburn?
Summer in Texas can be a particularly perilous time of year, especially since kids don’t seem to mind the scorching heat. Aside from sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration are two life-threatening ailments that can result from overexposure to the sun’s rays. It is important to stay aware of the potential danger exposure poses.
When parents drop off their children at daycare centers, they trust that their little ones will be well taken care of and kept safe. One crucial aspect of this duty of care is protecting children from prolonged sun exposure. Daycare centers have a legal obligation to provide adequate supervision and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the children under their care.
Understanding the duty of care at daycare centers is essential for parents and guardians to hold them accountable in case of any negligence resulting in sunburns. Daycare centers are responsible for implementing appropriate sun safety measures, such as providing shade, using sunscreen, and ensuring children wear protective clothing and hats. They should also follow guidelines for outdoor activities during peak sun hours and regularly monitor children for signs of sunburn.
In the unfortunate event of a child suffering from sunburn while at daycare, it is crucial to assess the daycare center’s liability. Factors such as the age of the child, the duration and intensity of sun exposure, and the negligence or lack of supervision on behalf of the daycare staff play a crucial role in determining liability.
Parents should familiarize themselves with the legal remedies available to them in such cases. This may include filing a complaint with the daycare center, seeking reimbursement for medical expenses, and even pursuing legal action if necessary. Consulting with a qualified attorney specializing in personal injury cases can provide parents with guidance and help navigate the legal process.
Duty of Care at Daycare Centers
When parents drop off their children at daycare centers, they trust that their little ones will be well taken care of and kept safe. One crucial aspect of this duty of care is protecting children from harmful sun exposure and preventing sunburns. Daycare centers have a legal obligation to provide adequate supervision and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the children under their care.
Understanding the duty of care at daycare centers is essential for parents and guardians to hold them accountable in case of any negligence resulting in sunburns. Daycare centers are responsible for implementing appropriate sun safety measures, such as providing shade, using sunscreen, and ensuring children wear protective clothing and hats. They should also follow guidelines for outdoor activities during peak sun hours and regularly monitor children for signs of sunburn.
In the unfortunate event of a child suffering from sunburn while at daycare, it is crucial to assess the daycare center’s liability. Factors such as the age of the child, the duration and intensity of sun exposure, and the negligence or lack of supervision on behalf of the daycare staff play a crucial role in determining liability.
Parents should familiarize themselves with the legal remedies available to them in such cases. This may include filing a complaint with the daycare center, seeking reimbursement for medical expenses, and even pursuing legal action if necessary. Consulting with a qualified attorney specializing in personal injury cases can provide parents with guidance and help navigate the legal process.
Severity of Sunburn
At Gemthe Law Firm, we know how uncomfortable and painful sunburns can be – but they can also be classified according to severity. Here, we provide an overview of what the different classifications mean and what kind of treatment is recommended for each one.

First-Degree Sunburn
First-degree sunburns are the least severe type of burn and typically cause mild redness and tenderness.
A first-degree nburn is the mildest type of burn, affecting only the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms of this kind of burn include redness and pain.
Treatments for this level of sunburn include topical creams and ointments, cool showers or baths, and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. In some cases, hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Second-Degree Sunburn
Second-degree sunburns often involve blistering and a deep reddening of the skin. These burns can be extremely painful and should be treated with caution.
Second-degree burns involves damage to both the top layer and at least part of the layer below that. A person with this type of burn may experience redness, blistering, swelling, and pain, and the skin may even open up in some cases.
Cool baths or showers should be taken, along with the use of topical treatments, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, the skin should be kept covered to avoid further irritation.
Third-Degree Sunburn
Third-degree sunburns are the most severe form of sun damage and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
These most severe types of burns extend to all layers of the skin and even to the nerves. The area affected by such a burn may appear white, brown, or charred instead of red and can be potentially fatal.
These burns require medical attention and may require prescription medication and even surgery in some cases. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing infection; antibiotics, corticosteroids, and other medications may be used to manage symptoms.

These most severe types of burns extend to all layers of the skin and even to the nerves. The area affected by such a burn may appear white, brown, or charred instead of red and can be potentially fatal.
Determining Liability
As we have discussed, daycare centers have a duty of care toward the children under their supervision. This duty includes taking reasonable measures to protect children from harm, such as providing adequate sun protection. If a daycare fails to fulfill this duty and a child sustains a sunburn as a result, they may be held liable for the child’s injuries.
However, it is essential to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Was the child adequately supervised?
- Did the daycare have policies and procedures in place for sun protection?
- Did they provide sunscreen, hats, or other protective measures?
These factors will play a significant role in determining the extent of the daycare’s liability. The parent’s actions and responsibilities should be also taken into account.
- Did they provide the daycare with appropriate instructions regarding their child’s sun protection?
- Were they aware of any existing medical conditions or sensitivities that made the child more susceptible to sunburn?
Once liability has been established, the next step is to navigate the insurance claims process. The daycare facility may have liability insurance that covers such incidents. It is important to consult with legal professionals who specialize in personal injury cases to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the insurance policy and its coverage.
In some situations, settlement negotiations may be required to reach a fair resolution. This involves discussions with the daycare facility’s insurance company or legal representatives to agree upon an appropriate compensation amount. Factors such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects from the sunburn will be taken into consideration during these negotiations.
Dangerous Sun Exposure at Daycare Facilities
Second and third-degree sunburns can be a severe consequence of prolonged exposure to the sun, especially for young children. Recently, a daycare facility in Oklahoma is facing consequences due to putting their children in an environment that exposed them to potentially dangerous sunburns at a waterpark.
Urgency of Risk
The severity of these injuries was great enough that two 5-year-old and 7-year-old boys had to be hospitalized. The risk of such exposure is real and immediate, as these children are being exposed to the danger unknowingly. It is clear from this incident that extreme caution should be taken with young children when they are playing outdoors, as even minimal exposure can result in serious health risks.
Endurance of Neglect
Even more concerning is the fact that this particular daycare facility has been cited in the past for lapses in required standards. These include expired fire extinguishers, lack of current director credentials, and incorrect food menus. These sorts of lapses indicate a pattern of neglect on the part of the daycare facility, which raises questions about its ability to protect its young charges from potentially harmful situations.
Breadth of Danger
The incident highlights the importance of compliance with standard childcare practices. Within Texas’ minimum standards for child care centers is a note that children must be protected from excessive sun exposure, though some level of it is necessary. This case underscores the need for all daycare facilities to exercise extreme caution with their outdoor activities.
Documenting the incident
When it comes to child sunburn incidents at daycare, documenting the incident is of utmost importance. It serves as crucial evidence and can significantly impact any legal remedies that may be pursued.
This includes taking photographs of the affected areas and noting important details such as the date, time, and circumstances surrounding the incident. These records will serve as concrete evidence of the child’s injuries and can help establish liability.

Gather any relevant documentation from the daycare facility. This may include incident reports, medical records, and any communication exchanged between the parents and the daycare staff regarding the incident. These documents can further support the case and provide a comprehensive overview of the incident.
Documenting the incident should be done as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Time can play a crucial role in preserving evidence and ensuring its accuracy. Memories can fade, and details may become hazy over time. By promptly documenting the incident, you can ensure that all relevant information is accurately recorded.
In the event that legal action is pursued, the documentation and evidence collected will be invaluable. They can help establish negligence on the part of the daycare facility, showcase the extent of the child’s injuries, and support any claims for compensation or damages.
FAQs about Child Sunburn at Daycare
Is a child getting sunburn neglect?
Child neglect can include failing to provide adequate protection from the sun, such as sunscreen or protective clothing. If a parent or daycare provider fails to take these precautions, it could be considered neglect, depending on the severity of the burn.
When should I take my child to the doctor for a sunburn?
It is recommended that parents seek medical attention for their child if the sunburn is severe or if blisters develop. If the child experiences fever, swelling, or severe pain, it is best to contact a doctor or pediatrician right away.
What happens if toddler gets sunburn?
Sunburns in toddlers can be very serious, potentially damaging skin cells and leading to long-term skin issues, such as wrinkles, discoloration, and skin cancer. Extremely severe burns may need medical treatment, such as antibiotics or topical creams to help heal and prevent infection.
What to do if your child has sunburn?
If your child has sunburn, cool compresses can bring relief as well as aloe vera gel. Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) should ONLY be taken after consulting with a doctor. Be sure to keep the area clean and avoid further exposure to the sun until healed.
Can toddlers get sick from too much sun?
Too much sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion in toddlers, with symptoms such as excessive sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to watch for signs of dehydration and monitor body temperature. If symptoms persist or worsen it is best to seek medical attention.
What does sun poisoning look like in a toddler?
Sun poisoning in toddlers will typically manifest itself in redness and blistering of the skin. There may also be fever, chills, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and/or vomiting. In some cases, there can be headaches, confusion, or disorientation.
What falls under the category of child neglect?
Child neglect can involve a variety of behaviors, including failure to provide adequate care, food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, supervision, or educational support. Physical neglect can include failing to protect a child from harm such as extreme temperatures or hazardous materials.
What are signs of child neglect?
Signs of neglect can include poor hygiene, developmental delays due to lack of stimulation, malnutrition, deficit in social skills due to isolation from peers or inadequate supervision, physical injury due to lack of safety precautions, and/or frequent changes in caregivers or school environments.
What are the three signs of neglect?
The three main signs of neglect are physical (lack of basic needs), psychological (emotional trauma), and educational (learning deficits due to lack of educational support).
What does 2nd-degree sunburn look like?
A 2nd-degree sunburn can cause pain and swelling as well as blisters and peeling skin. The burn may be bright pink or red in appearance and there may be pain when touched. Other symptoms can include itching or tenderness in the affected area.
How long does sunburn last on toddlers?
Sunburns in toddlers typically last anywhere from 3-7 days. It is important to keep the affected area covered while healing and avoid further exposure to the sun during this time.
How can I help my 3-year-old with sunburn?
Cool compresses and aloe vera gel can bring relief from pain associated with sunburns. Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) should only be taken after consulting with a doctor. Additionally, it is important to dress your child in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs while outdoors and apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outside.
Compensation for Medical Expenses and Damages
It is crucial to document the extent of your child’s sunburn and seek immediate medical attention. Take photographs of the sunburn and keep records of all medical treatments and expenses incurred. This documentation will serve as evidence when seeking compensation.
Consult with a Texas daycare injury attorney who specializes in daycare negligence cases. They will assess the circumstances surrounding the sunburn incident and guide you through the legal process. An experienced attorney will be able to determine if the daycare facility was negligent in its duty to protect your child from sunburn and if it failed to take appropriate preventive measures.
When seeking compensation, you may be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, including doctor visits, medications, and any necessary treatments such as skin grafts or specialized creams. Additionally, you may be eligible to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects or scarring caused by sunburn.
Your attorney will work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement with the daycare facility’s insurance company. In some cases, a lawsuit may be necessary to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney will represent your interests, advocate for your child’s rights, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Page Contents
- Who Must Protect a Child from Sunburn?
- Duty of Care at Daycare Centers
- Severity of Sunburn
- Determining Liability
- Dangerous Sun Exposure at Daycare Facilities
- Documenting the incident
- FAQs about Child Sunburn at Daycare
- Is a child getting sunburn neglect?
- When should I take my child to the doctor for a sunburn?
- What happens if toddler gets sunburn?
- What to do if your child has sunburn?
- Can toddlers get sick from too much sun?
- What does sun poisoning look like in a toddler?
- What falls under the category of child neglect?
- What are signs of child neglect?
- What are the three signs of neglect?
- What does 2nd-degree sunburn look like?
- How long does sunburn last on toddlers?
- How can I help my 3-year-old with sunburn?
- Compensation for Medical Expenses and Damages