Is a Day Care Center Liable When a Child Suffers Injuries or Dies from a Choking Incident?
Children require supervision due to a number of reasons. One involves the risk of choking. The level of risk depends on the age and physical development of the child. In the day care center, a child can choke on a food object or an everyday object like a coin, part of a toy, and other objects. Because of the real risk of choking, it is important for a day care center and its staff to maintain a safe environment that is free from hazards including those relating to choking.
A simple food item like a carrot or hot dog can be deadly to an infant or toddler. Furthermore, an everyday object like a coin or part of a toy can also be deadly. Because of these risk factors, it is vital that a day care center follow the State mandated child care regulations, its own rules and regulations, and otherwise exercise common sense and due diligence as to the maintenance of the day care center and the supervision of the children enrolled in the day care center.
A recent choking incident was reported in North Carolina. It was reported that a child choked on a piece of food at the Lucky Ducks Child Care in King, North Carolina. Tragically, the child died as a result of the choking incident. It was reported that the cause of death of accidental choking per the autopsy. The King Police Department reported that the State Bureau of Investigation will review the incident. You can read more about this story at Child Chokes to Death at King North Carolina Day Care Center.