A HORRIFIED mum, who was left traumatised after her toddler was burnt by bleach at nursery, has been paid thousands in damages.
Tot, Blake Nilssen, was just 10-months-old when daycare staff at Little Dreams left him unattended around the bucket of chemicals.
Digby Brown SolicitorsBlake Nilssen suffered second degree burns after he was left unattended at nursery[/caption]
Digby Brown SolicitorsThe 10-month-old was rushed to hospital by his parents after the daycare failed to call an ambulance[/caption]
The poor infant suffered second degree burns all over his body before terrified parents, Ellie and Daryl, heard “chilling” screams as they pulled up outside the nursery.
The had to rush their son to hospital on November 4, 2021 after the daycare failed to call an ambulance.
The little boy had been covered in paper towels after accidentally dousing himself in the chemicals – which made his burns worse, ripping the blisters away from his fragile skin.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary placed the toddler in a special shower for over an hour to monitor the pH levels of affected areas.
Mum Ellie, 28, told the Daily Record: “At the time I said this incident was indefensible and I still feel that way.
“There really was a sense that it shocked parents all over the country. Many people reached out with concern and support.
“I am still disappointed in the nursery’s reaction to everything. Even when presented with evidence – like photos of my burned and blistered baby – they tried to deny or downplay their failings.
“It took a legal action to get the answers we deserved and get Little Dreams to hold their hands up.”
The devastated mum insisted a pay-out was never the goal of their legal action, and all the money has been placed in a trust for Blake.
He will only have access to the funds when he turns 16.
Despite healing physically, the tot displays signs of emotional trauma and still reacts badly around water.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has helped us from friends and family, to NHS staff who treated Blake’s injuries to our legal team who helped hold the nursery accountable”, Ellie added.
“As a family we now just want to try and put this painful episode behind us and look forwards so we request that our privacy is now respected.”
Neil Davidson, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors in Aberdeen, was in charge of Ellie and Daryl’s legal battle for their son.
Investigations brought to light that procedures were not followed correctly at Little Dreams and evidence showed staff were not trained to deal with such an event.
Risk assessments were not carried out and a Care Inspectorate investigation found staff gave “differing accounts of what happened”, and had “ineffective” supervision.
The nursery was also scrutinised for failing to call an ambulance when the tragedy struck.
Mr Davidson said: “No parent should have to worry about the welfare of their child when placing them into the care of professionals so with this legal action we knew there were three key priorities.
“This included providing Blake with access to specialist medical care, providing Ellie and Daryl with answers and shedding light on negligent care to improve standards for everyone.
“I sincerely hope parents and care providers everywhere consider the gravity of what happened in this very harrowing ordeal and take steps to ensure such incidents are never repeated.”
Digby Brown SolicitorsBlake has since recovered but still carries emotional trauma and reacts badly around water[/caption]
Digby Brown SolicitorsThe tot will receive a five figure pay-out when he turns 16-years-old[/caption]
Burns and scalds
You should go to a hospital A&E department for all chemical and electrical burns.
Signs and symptoms to look for:
Pain
Areas of superficial, partial thickness and/or full thickness burns
Superficial burns affect the outer layer of the skin and may look red and tender.
Partial thickness burns also affect the outer layer of the skin, but the skin becomes red and raw, and blisters may form.
A full thickness burn affects all layers of the skin and can cause damage to nerves, tissues, muscles and blood vessels.
Difficulty breathing
Signs of shock.
What to do
Start cooling the burn as quickly as possible with cool running water. Help the casualty to sit or lie down, preventing the burnt area from touching the ground to keep it clean.
Call 999 or 112 for emergency help
Continue cooling the area for at least 20 minutes – do not cover the casualty in case you lower their body temperature to a dangerous level – this can be more serious in the elderly and babies.
Do not touch the burn – carefully remove any jewellery, watches, belts, shoes or burnt clothing before the area being to swell.
Do not remove any clothing that is stuck to the burn
While waiting for help assure them and treat them for shock if necessary and monitor level of response.