Eyebrow Waxing Injury Compensation

Question:

Is it possible to claim eyebrow waxing injury compensation if I was burned during a waxing treatment and the burn has resulted in a visible scar?

Answer:

If it is established that you have sustained a burn injury during a waxing treatment which is attributable to the negligence of the person performing the treatment, you will be entitled to claim eyebrow waxing injury compensation from the beauty salon in which the treatment was being performed. How much compensation for an eyebrow waxing injury you might be entitled to receive is going to depend on the visibility of the scar in relation to your sex and age, and how it affects your confidence to participate in social and leisure pursuits.

In order to support your claim for an eyebrow waxing injury, you should visit your doctor and have the scar recorded on your medical records. Your doctor will need to complete a medical appraisal of your injury and this appraisal (Injuries Board Medical Assessment Form B) has to be submitted with your application for assessment to the Injuries Board with your own Application Form A; or as an attachment to an online application for eyebrow waxing injury compensation.

Your doctor will have to state on the form if the scar has affected your confidence in any way (a “residual symptom”) and it may be necessary for you to undergo a further medical examination arranged by the Injuries Board Ireland in order that an independent assessment of your eyebrow waxing injury claim can be made. It will also be of benefit to your claim for eyebrow waxing injury compensation if you attach two photographs of the scar injury – one from close-up so that the extent of the scar can be clearly seen, and one from a little further away so that the visibility of the scar can be measured.

Due to the nature of the application forms provided by the Injuries Board Ireland (including the online version), it is very difficult to fit every consequence of a scar injury into the areas provided and not only is it advisable to compose a covering letter to submit with your application form, but also to engage the service of an experienced solicitor to help you with the application. If, for example, there is the possibility that revision surgery would remove the scar or diminish its visibility, the cost of this treatment should be included in “Special Damages” (page 4 of Application Form A) together with a quote from an accredited source to support this part of your eyebrow waxing injury claim.

It is also recommended that you maintain a diary to record occasions when your waxing treatment injury has prevented you from attending social events, working or performing regular day-to-day activities (shopping for example). You should also write in your diary entry how you feel about being deprived some of the joys of life in order that your solicitor can establish whether your claim for eyebrow waxing injury compensation should include an element for the emotional trauma you have suffered as a result of your burn at a beauty salon.

Again, the emotional reaction to your burn injury will need to be medically proven and – with so many potential elements of your eyebrow waxing injury compensation claim – it is advised that you speak directly to an experienced personal injury solicitor at the first practical opportunity.