Compensation for Skin Discolouration Following Beauty Treatment

Can I claim for compensation for skin discolouration following a beauty treatment since two weeks ago I had my hair coloured at my usual beauty salon and returned home with a coloured hair line and ears? I expected it to fade but it is still the same shade after all this time.

Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor

Editor in Chief

Eoin P. Campbell

In cases such as yours, claiming compensation for skin discolouration following a beauty treatment may not be as straightforward as others. The reason for this is the length of time you have waited before deciding to pursue a claim. The hairstylist who administered your treatment may indeed have shown negligence or demonstrated a poor professional performance, but the fact that you waited two weeks may cause the salon to question why it took you so long and they may even accuse you of creating the appearance of negligence yourself.

It is understandable that you expected the colour to fade, and you may have plenty of family members or friends who are willing to support your claim for compensation for skin discolouration following a beauty treatment but the issue of time may add a slight complication. Another scenario that may occur is the possibility that the beauty salon could offer you a small settlement as a reaction to your claim that may not accurately reflect how much compensation you should be entitled too, perhaps not taking into account the embarrassment or distress you have experienced as a result of your skin discolouration.

It is recommended, therefore that you seek the assistance of a solicitor who has experience in this kind of claim. The amount of compensation you qualify for should encompass your degree of distress and any impact the skin discolouration has had on your quality of life. Most solicitors can offer a free initial consultation where they can assess your individual case and determine whether or not you have a claim worth pursuing. If you have been approached with an early offer of compensation, a solicitor can establish whether it reflects the correct amount of compensation you should be entitled too.

No two claims for compensation for skin discolouration following a beauty treatment are exactly the same and each award for compensation is based on its individual merits. Even though you have waited two weeks before deciding to take action, it does not at all mean that you would be disqualified from making a claim.