What You Should Really Know about Making a Beauty Injury Claim in the UK

Beauty treatments should be a source of relaxation and confidence-building, but sometimes, things go wrong. Whether it's a botched hair dye job, an allergic reaction to a beauty product, or a more serious injury during a cosmetic procedure, knowing your rights is important. If you've suffered harm from a beauty treatment, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Here's what you should really know about making a beauty injury claim in the UK.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

Common Beauty Injuries

Beauty injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most common injuries that lead to claims include:

• Burns: Often caused by hot waxing or chemical peels applied incorrectly or without proper aftercare advice.

• Allergic reactions: Reactions to beauty products, dyes, or treatments can result in severe skin irritation, swelling, or even long-term scarring.

• Cuts and abrasions: Poorly performed waxing, microblading, or nail treatments can lead to painful cuts or abrasions.

• Hair damage: Bleaching or colouring treatments that are improperly applied can cause hair loss, breakage, or scalp burns.

If you've experienced any of these injuries, it's essential to take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights.

Establishing Liability

In the UK, beauty professionals have a duty of care to their clients, meaning they are required to provide safe and competent treatments. When they fail to meet this standard, they can be held liable for any harm caused – and it is easier to file beauty injury claims. Establishing liability for a beauty injury involves proving that the injury resulted from negligence, improper training, or the use of faulty products.

It's important to gather evidence showing that the beauty therapist or technician acted in a way that breached their duty of care. For example, was the technician properly trained if a laser treatment led to burns? Was the equipment properly maintained? Your solicitor will help you gather the necessary evidence to build your case.

How to Make a Claim

To make a successful beauty injury claim in the UK, you will typically need to consult with a personal injury solicitor who specialises in beauty injury claims. Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Initial consultation: During the first meeting, your solicitor will review your case, advise you on the strength of your claim, and explain the potential compensation you could receive.

2. Evidence gathering: If necessary, your solicitor will help gather medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.

3. Negotiation: Many beauty injury claims are settled through a round of negotiations between your personal injury solicitor and the beauty salon’s legal team or the insurance company.

4. Court proceedings: If negotiations fail, your case may go to court, where a judge will make a final ruling.

Compensation You Could Receive

Compensation for beauty injuries in the UK can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the financial losses incurred, and the impact on your mental well-being. You may be entitled to receive compensation for:

• Medical costs: This includes both initial treatment and any ongoing medical needs, such as reconstructive surgery.

• Loss of income: If the injury prevented you from working, you can claim for lost wages.

• Pain and suffering: Compensation may also cover emotional distress, including the psychological impact of disfigurement or scarring.

• Other expenses: This may include travel costs for medical appointments or any additional treatments needed to correct the injury.