Nanny Concerned About Being Blamed For Infant’s Injuries – What Should I Do To Protect Myself?

Location: IL USA

Hi, I’m a nanny and I’m looking for legal advice on how to protect myself in a situation with a family I recently started working for.

I care for a 7-month-old. A few days ago, I was sitting on the floor and reached for a toy while the baby tried to pull up on a coffee table. He lost his balance and fell backward, hitting the back of his head on the floor.

The mother came down immediately and asked what happened. I told her exactly what I saw and suggested she check the camera, since there is one in the room that should show the incident. She said it was okay and that things like this happen.

The next day, she told me the baby had been crying a lot and asked again if I was sure that was all that happened. I reassured her and again told her to check the footage. The father also said accidents happen and mentioned the baby has fallen before.

By the third day, the baby was still very upset, and I suggested they have him checked by a doctor. They took him to the pediatrician, and he was diagnosed with a fractured leg and a shoulder injury (I don’t know the exact diagnosis).

The fall I witnessed was backward onto his head. I did not see any impact to his leg or shoulder, so I do not understand how those injuries occurred.

Since then, the parents’ behavior toward me has changed, and I feel like they are starting to blame me, even though I have been fully honest and there should be camera footage.

My questions:

* What should I do right now to protect myself legally?

* Should I continue working for this family or stop immediately?

* Should I proactively consult a lawyer, and if so, what type?

* Do I have any obligation to report this situation?

I have not been formally accused of anything, but I’m concerned this could escalate.

Thank you for any guidance.