Am I entitled to claim compensation for burned skin following a beauty treatment if my scalp was burned by a hairdryer operated by a trainee stylist? I have attended the same salon for years and they are aware of my sensitive skin.
Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
Editor in Chief
It is possible for you to be able to claim compensation for burned skin following a beauty treatment since the stylist blow drying your hair should have administered a better duty of care. As other employees of the salon know that your scalp is sensitive, it should have been noted in your client file and the trainee stylist ought to have been made aware of the fact.
In order to facilitate a successful claim for compensation for burned skin following a beauty treatment, it is advisable that you follow some procedures. First, take two photographs of the injury – one close shot to demonstrate the severity of your burns and another taken from a slight distance to show your injury’s visibility. You should also visit your GP who can prescribe treatment for your burns and will make a note of your injury in your medical records. These items may later be used in evidence to support your claim. Another important step to take is to return to the salon and have the details of your injury recorded in its “Accident Report Book”, which you should retain a copy of and refer it to your solicitor.
You would be well advised to seek the assistance of a solicitor to claim compensation for burned skin following a beauty treatment. Should the hair salon admit liability and offer you compensation before you begin legal proceedings, a solicitor will be able to determine whether or not their offer is a genuine reflection of what you should be entitled to. After assessing your case and taking into consideration issues such as the effect your injury has had on your confidence and quality or life, he or she would be in a good position to indicate how much compensation you are likely to receive.