Most daycare centers in Seattle make parents or guardians sign liability waivers before accepting their children. Liability waivers typically state that the daycare center is not responsible for any injuries or accidents that occur on the property. These waivers do not, however, protect the daycare center from liability for negligence. If that were the case, a daycare center could get away with almost anything. A liability waiver may mean you cannot file a lawsuit for acts of God, but it does not bar you from filing a personal injury claim on the basis of negligence.
A daycare center may be liable for a child’s injuries if it or one of its employees breaches a duty of care to the child. If the daycare center acted or failed to act in a way that a reasonable and prudent facility would have in similar circumstances, it could be guilty of negligence. The daycare center may owe the parents of the child compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the child’s pain and suffering. Child abuse, negligent supervision, unsafe playground equipment, and dangerous premises are all common examples of daycare center negligence that can cause serious injuries.