Injuries caused by Cosmetic Treatments - can you claim compensation?

Beauty treatment practitioners have a duty of care to their clients, meaning they must take adequate care to ensure your treatment does not cause you harm. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 illustrates that workplaces, including salons, must protect client from risks and have a responsibility to keep you safe from injury.

There are a number of personal injuries that can arise as a result of negligence or improper execution of procedures. The most common injuries can include allergic reactions, burns, and infections. However, they can also include:

• Injuries from lip filler
• Eye injuries from eyelash extensions and dyes
• Damage to nails
• Cuts and scars
• Chemical burns/blisters
• Fungal infections caused by poor hygiene

A beauty therapist and/or salon has a duty to act with reasonable care towards their clients, and should they fail to meet the expected standard of care then they could be liable for any injury caused.

Complications may arise when using products containing harsh chemicals, such as hair dye or chemical facial peels. Such complications can include skin irritation and rashes, but these can be prevented by carrying out a patch test. Likewise, allergic reactions can be avoided by making sure your therapist is aware of any allergies you have.

Before undergoing your beauty treatment, you should always be invited to attend a consultation to have a patch test, give details of any allergies and discuss the treatment in more detail. Further, the therapist should always provide you with aftercare advice so you are prepared to deal with any late reactions should they occur. Failing to provide clients with this information and failing to warn of possible risks may be a breach of duty.

Other common examples of negligence in beauty treatments can include:

• Poor hygiene standards
• Faulty/damaged equipment
• Failing to follow correct procedures
• Procedures being performed by inadequately trained staff

If you have suffered a beauty/cosmetic-related injury as a result of negligence then you may be eligible to seek compensation.