What Should Parents Do in the First Days After a Serious Child Injury?

Your child's health comes first. After that, ask the facility or caregiver to explain what happened, request a copy of any incident report, photograph visible injuries and the location or hazard when it is safe to do so, and collect witness names and contact information.

Save emails, texts, permission slips, policies, and program materials, write down what your child tells you, and track appointments and symptoms. Do not assume important evidence will remain available, because surveillance footage may be overwritten and memories fade.