Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | August 29, 2025 | Daycare Injuries
Every parent wants to believe their child is safe, respected, and nurtured when they’re at daycare. But when daycare providers use improper or harmful discipline, it can lead to lasting trauma – both emotional and physical.
If your child has been mistreated and injured at a daycare in Georgia, you have legal rights and options.
How Daycares Are Regulated in Georgia
There are more than 3,000 child care learning centers, 3,000 child care learning homes, and 2,000 informal care providers in Georgia. These facilities are licensed and regulated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).
Facilities must follow strict rules and regulations. DECAL publishes a set of rules for child care learning centers, family child care learning homes, and other types of daycares. These rules are designed to protect children and ensure care providers use only positive, non-harmful methods of discipline.
DECAL’s Child Care Services (CCS) division investigates complaints and reports of abuse or neglect. Parents can view the inspection history of a daycare using the DECAL Child Care Search tool. This tool allows families to make informed choices and identify facilities with past violations.
What Is Improper Daycare Discipline?
Daycare workers are responsible for helping children learn and grow in a safe environment. Discipline is sometimes necessary to correct behavior – but it must be appropriate and never harmful.
In Georgia, daycare staff are strictly prohibited from disciplining children in a way that is “detrimental to their physical or mental health.”
Examples of improper discipline include:
- Physical or sexual abuse, including hitting or shaking a child
- Corporal or physical punishment
- Yelling, threatening, or humiliating a child
- Withholding food, naps, or bathroom access as punishment
- Isolating a child for long periods (e.g., “time-outs” in a dark room)
- Forcing a child to stay in soiled clothes
- Using physical restraints on a child
- Unauthorized use of medication to discipline a child or control their behavior
These actions can cause serious emotional and physical harm. Common child injuries from corporal punishment include brain injuries, soft tissue injuries like lacerations and bruises, and broken bones.
Signs Your Child May Have Been Improperly Disciplined
Children may not always be able to explain what’s happening to them at daycare, especially if they are very young. Parents should watch for warning signs, including:
- Sudden fear or anxiety about going to daycare
- Unexplained bruises, welts, or scratches
- Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
- Regressive behaviors like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
If your child shows any of these signs, trust your instincts. Talk to your child, document what you see, and seek help.
What To Do if You Suspect Improper Discipline or Abuse
If you suspect abuse or improper discipline, take these steps right away.
- Remove your child from the daycare. Their safety is the top priority.
- Document everything. Write down what your child said, take photos of injuries, and keep records of medical visits.
- File a complaint with DECAL. Call (404) 657-5562 or (404) 656-5957 to report suspected abuse or submit a complaint. For pre-K programs and schools, call (404) 656-5957.
If your child was injured, the next step is speaking with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you take steps to hold the facility accountable and pursue compensation to get your child the care they deserve.
Your Legal Rights as a Parent
When a daycare violates Georgia’s discipline laws, it can be held liable for your child’s injuries. You have the right to hold the facility accountable.
Facilities can be held responsible for damages caused by their own negligence, such as negligent hiring or training practices, or the actions of employees, such as intentional abuse.
Families can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Therapy or counseling
- Increased childcare or education expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs and other financial expenses
- The child’s physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of a normal childhood and reduced quality of life, if the child’s injury was severe
In some cases, criminal charges may also be brought against the daycare provider or staff.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Hold the Daycare Accountable
Pursuing a legal claim against a daycare facility can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A personal injury lawyer experienced in daycare injury cases can:
- Investigate the daycare’s history of complaints or violations
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Consult medical and child psychology experts
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate a fair settlement agreement
- File a lawsuit if necessary
Many families find comfort and closure knowing that legal action can prevent the same thing from happening to another child.
Reach Out Today for Help
Improper discipline at daycare isn’t just a violation of trust: it’s a form of abuse. Georgia law is clear: children must be disciplined in ways that protect their health, safety, and dignity. If your child has been mistreated, don’t wait to take action.
You have legal options to seek justice and hold the daycare accountable. For help, contact Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 990-7024
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 626-5067
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.
