Warning Signs Your Daycare in Madisonville is Covering Up Negligence

As a parent, you know that small accidents can and do happen. Kids are active, curious, and often unaware of their physical limits. Scrapes, bumps, and bruises are part of growing up. But when a daycare provider intentionally hides or downplays what happened to your child, it crosses a dangerous line from honest mistake to potential cover-up of negligence. 

At Bivona Law, we take these situations seriously. We understand that when caregivers choose to mislead parents, fail to report incidents, or lie about injuries, it is often a sign that something far worse is happening behind the scenes. Drew Bivona and his team are committed to exposing the truth and holding daycares accountable before more children get hurt. 

This guide is designed to help Madisonville parents recognize the warning signs of daycare cover-ups, understand why these situations happen, and know what to do if they suspect negligence. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of preventing further harm to your child and others.  

Accidents Happen, But Cover-Ups Are Never Acceptable 

No one expects a daycare to be perfect. Children fall, get into minor arguments, or bump into things. Good daycares respond to these incidents promptly and honestly, keeping parents fully informed and documenting everything. 

But when an injury occurs because a caregiver failed to supervise, used inappropriate discipline, or failed to maintain a safe environment, that’s more than an accident. It’s negligence. And when a daycare tries to cover up that negligence, it puts every child in danger. 

Daycares are legally and ethically obligated to report injuries, notify parents immediately, and provide accurate accounts of what happened. If you are being misled or if the story keeps changing, there may be something more serious going on.  

Why a Daycare Might Try to Cover Up Negligence 

There are several reasons why a daycare might try to hide the truth when a child is injured: 

1. Fear of Legal Consequences
   Daycares know that serious injuries can lead to lawsuits, license suspension, or even criminal investigations. To protect themselves, some facilities may choose to hide the facts rather than take responsibility.
2. Damage to Their Reputation
   Daycare centers rely heavily on trust and word of mouth. A publicized incident of negligence could harm their reputation and lead to fewer enrollments. This gives some providers a strong incentive to keep problems quiet.
3. Lack of Training or Policies
   Some daycares simply don’t have clear protocols in place for incident reporting or injury management. Others may employ staff who are untrained or unaware of their responsibilities. This can lead to poor judgment or attempts to minimize problems.
4. Staff Trying to Protect Themselves
   Individual caregivers may fear getting fired or penalized, especially if the injury happened on their watch. Rather than admitting a mistake, they might falsify reports or claim the injury happened elsewhere.

Regardless of the reason, covering up negligence is never acceptable. These actions can cause delays in medical care, hide patterns of abuse, and leave dangerous caregivers in place to harm more children. 

Early Warning Signs That a Daycare May Be Hiding Something 

Recognizing the signs of a potential cover-up is critical. If you notice any of the following red flags, you should take immediate action: 

1. Unexplained Injuries: You notice bruises, scratches, or other marks on your child, but the daycare offers no explanation or says they have no idea how it happened.
2. Vague or Changing Stories: When you ask what happened, the staff gives inconsistent or unclear answers. One person tells you it was a fall; another says it happened at home, and no one can agree on the details.
3. Delayed Notification
   You aren’t told about an injury until hours later, or you discover it on your own after picking up your child. Daycares should always notify parents immediately when a child is hurt.
4. Missing or Incomplete Incident Reports: State regulations require daycares to document any significant injuries or behavioral incidents. If the staff refuses to provide documentation or says there’s no report, it may be a sign they are trying to avoid creating a paper trail.
5. Your Child’s Behavior Suddenly Changes: Children may not always be able to explain what happened, but their behavior often tells the story. Look out for signs like:

• • Fear of returning to daycare 
  • Sudden withdrawal or aggression 
  • Nightmares or trouble sleeping 
  • Regression in potty training or language 
  • Clinginess or separation anxiety 

6. Staff Becoming Defensive or Evasive: If your questions are met with hostility, defensiveness, or attempts to rush the conversation, take note. Staff who are hiding something often become overly protective or secretive when pressed for details.
7. Restricted Access to Facilities or Staff: If you suddenly lose the ability to visit certain areas or speak freely with caregivers, the daycare may be limiting your visibility to keep you from noticing problems.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cover-Up 

If you believe your child’s daycare is hiding negligence, here are steps you can take: 

1. Document Everything
   Take pictures of injuries. Keep a journal of conversations with staff. Save texts, emails, or written reports. The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be.
2. Talk to Other Parents
   You may not be the only one with concerns. Speak to other families and see if they’ve noticed similar issues. A pattern of injuries or evasiveness can indicate a deeper problem.
3. Report to State Licensing Authorities
   In Texas, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). They are responsible for investigating licensing violations, abuse, and neglect in daycare settings.
4. Remove Your Child from the Facility
   If you believe your child is in danger, trust your instincts. It’s better to be overly cautious than to allow a potentially harmful situation to continue.
5. Contact a Child Injury Lawyer
   Daycare injury cases are complex and emotionally difficult. That’s why it’s important to work with a lawyer who understands both the legal and emotional side of these cases. At Bivona Law, we specialize in child injury and daycare negligence and can help you determine whether you have a claim.

Early Action Can Prevent Further Harm 

Identifying and acting on the warning signs of daycare negligence can do more than help your own child; it can protect other children from suffering the same fate. Daycare facilities that engage in cover-ups often have a pattern of behavior that goes unnoticed for far too long. By speaking up early and taking legal action, when necessary, you help create a safer environment for everyone. 

We know it’s difficult to confront the possibility that someone you trusted with your child’s care may have let you down. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

Bivona Law Is Here to Help Families in Madisonville 

At Bivona Law, we are committed to protecting children and holding negligent daycare providers accountable. If you suspect your child’s daycare in Madisonville is covering up an injury or acting negligently, we want to hear your story. 

We offer free consultations to review your case, answer your questions, and help you decide the next steps. Our founder, Drew Bivona, is dedicated to being a voice for injured children, because they can’t speak for themselves when someone else chooses silence over accountability. 

Let us help you uncover the truth and fight for the justice your child deserves. Contact Bivona Law today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to listen, to believe you, and to fight for your child’s safety.