Women (and some men) love to indulge in a day of beauty. They go to their favorite hair salon and get the works. They want their hair done, their nails done and maybe even indulge in a massage.
Almost all of the time, a day of beauty is pleasant and enjoyable. Friends get together for their spa day and then have some lunch. They feel good about their new hairstyle or manicure.
So, what happens if your day of beauty turns into a nightmare? Unfortunately, some people go into a salon and come out with chemical burns or damage to their hair and scalp. Or, their manicurist uses dirty tools and they contract an infection.
If something like this has happened to you, then you understand how frustrating it can be. If it’s something minor, there’s not much you can do. Obviously, the salon may owe you a refund or even a gift certificate for your troubles. Other times, the injury is so short-lived that there’s no point in going to an attorney.
There are times, however, when your injury is so severe that you do suffer damages. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta. Your attorney will pursue the salon and any other third parties to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Kinds of Injuries Can You Suffer at a Salon?
If you read about someone who sued a hair salon for chemical burns or injuries, you may think they’re being ridiculous. You may say they should just grin and bear it and that it can’t possibly be that big a deal. But, if you’ve never suffered an injury like this, then you have no idea how bad it can be.
If you go to a stylist to get a perm or to get your hair colored, you’ll be exposed to some dangerous chemicals. These chemicals can actually burn your face and scalp. Most people don’t have a negative reaction to these chemicals. But if the stylist leaves it on too long or doesn’t apply it properly, you can suffer some pretty serious injuries.
Sometimes, these burns are simply that burns. They heal over time and require no medical treatment. Other times, these chemicals can burn your eyes or cause permanent hair loss. If this is the case, you deserve to be compensated by the person responsible for your injuries.
Can You Actually Sue the Spa for These Injuries?
You may think that, when you go to the salon for hair coloring or a perm, you assume the risk. And, in a way, you do. If you ask to have your hair dyed blonde and then learn that you have a negative reaction to the bleach, you do assume the risk. But, if the stylist doesn’t use the right products or uses them improperly, they should be held accountable for any ensuing injuries.
In order to recover against the stylist or the salon they work at, you’ll have to prove they were negligent. In order to prove negligence, your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta has to demonstrate the following four (4) things:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care – Clearly, a stylist owes you a duty of care. They’re required to perform their job properly. And, the salon is required to make sure their stylists are properly trained and able to do their job safely.
- They breached this duty – This can be harder to prove. You need to show that the stylist did something out of the ordinary. Or, you can show that they weren’t trained properly. As long as you can show that they didn’t behave the way a reasonable stylist would, you should be able to prove this element.
- You were injured – Obviously, in order to sue anyone, you have to show you were injured. If your injuries were very minor, your personal injury lawyer will probably advise you not to sue. They may send the salon a demand letter asking for a refund and nominal payment. But it wouldn’t be worth filing suit for a few hundred dollars. However, if your injuries are more serious, you may have a legal claim for damages.
- Your injuries were caused by the stylist – In the case above, where the victim had a rare allergy to the hair dye, it would be hard to prove this element. However, if the stylist left the chemicals on too long or mixed the wrong product, it will be easier for your Atlanta injury lawyer to prove causation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta Today
If you or your loved one have been injured at a hair salon, you may have a claim for damages. Call Ted A. Greve & Associates today and schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Atlanta.
