The parents of a child who spent the night in the ceiling of Auckland's Starship Hospital could have grounds to sue staff.

That's according to an injury lawyer.

The child spent hours in the ceiling overnight, and fire crews were called this morning to help them down.

ACC lawyer John Miller says hospital staff could be accused of negligence.

"The parents, they're fraught with worry and if they suffer some form of nervous shock or psychiatric illness  they're not covered by ACC at all.

"They could, sue for damages for breach of the hospital's duty of care inputting a child in that sort of situation.

An Auckland DHB spokesperson says the child was monitored throughout the night, and their parents were kept informed.

They say the child eventually came down on their own accord.