If you were injured by a hair stylist, barber, massage therapist, acupuncturist, or other health and beauty professional, it’s important to know that you have rights, and you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your damages. A personal injury attorney can help.
According to ByteScraper, there are 860 hair salons and 220 health spas in Atlanta. These businesses are everywhere in the city and its surrounding areas because they provide valuable services that are also extremely safe—most of the time.
But in rare cases, people can be seriously injured during hair appointments, hair colorings, acupuncture sessions, massages, facials, and more. When people get injured in these settings, it’s often because the person behind the chair was negligent in some form or fashion.
What Are Common Customer Injuries in the Health and Beauty Industry?
Salons, spas, and barber shops are meant to be places where customers can enjoy simple relaxation and an hour or two of well-deserved self-care. But when owners or staff cut corners on safety, cleanliness, or training, their customers can suffer painful and sometimes permanent injuries.
Because these businesses and the people who work in them use sharp tools, chemicals, and heat on a daily basis, even a small mistake can lead to serious harm. Below are some of the most common injuries clients experience in salons, spas, and barber shops.
Salon Injuries
Hair salons involve frequent use of harsh chemicals, heat, sharp scissors, and electrical tools, all of which require proper handling and safety protocols. Common salon-related injuries include:
- Chemical burns from hair dye, bleach, relaxers, or perms
- Scalp burns from overheated hair dryers, flat irons, or curling irons
- Hair loss or scalp damage caused by improper chemical application
- Cuts or lacerations from scissors or razors
- Slip-and-fall injuries from wet floors or spilled products
- Allergic reactions due to failure to perform patch tests
Spa Injuries
Spas offer treatments intended to heal and rejuvenate, but negligence can quickly turn a luxury service into a medical emergency. Common spa injuries include:
- Burns from hot stones, steam treatments, or laser procedures
- Skin infections caused by unsanitary equipment or reused tools
- Chemical burns from peels, wraps, or improperly diluted products
- Injuries during massages, including nerve damage or muscle tears
- Slip-and-fall injuries in locker rooms, showers, or pool areas
- Worsening of pre-existing conditions due to improper screening
Barber Shop Injuries
Barber shops may seem low-risk, but sharp tools and close contact with skin can lead to serious injuries when safety standards are ignored. Common barber shop injuries include:
- Cuts and deep lacerations from razors or clippers
- Infections from unsanitary tools or contaminated equipment
- Razor burn, ingrown hairs, or skin irritation that becomes infected
- Allergic reactions to grooming products
- Slip-and-fall injuries from hair, water, or products on the floor
How Can Negligence Cause These Injuries?
Negligence occurs when a salon, spa, or barber shop fails to exercise reasonable care to protect its customers. In the health and beauty industry, negligence often stems from preventable issues, such as:
- Improper training or supervision of employees
- Failure to sanitize tools and equipment between clients
- Using expired, mislabeled, or unsafe products
- Ignoring known safety hazards, such as wet floors or faulty equipment
- Failing to review client medical histories or allergies
- Rushing services or exceeding safe treatment limits
When businesses put speed, cost-cutting, or profits ahead of their customers’ safety, innocent people can suffer serious consequences.
Who Can Be Held Liable for These Injuries?
Liability depends on the facts of the case, but several parties may be responsible for a salon, spa, or barber shop injury, including:
- The individual stylist, barber, or technician
- The salon or spa owner
- A franchise or parent company
- The manufacturer of defective equipment or products
- Property owners responsible for unsafe premises
An experienced injury lawyer at Prieto, DelCampo, Lopez, & Marigliano LLC, can investigate who was responsible and pursue claims against all liable parties.
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
If you were injured due to negligence at a salon, spa, or barber shop, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Costs of corrective treatments or procedures
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. Our lawyers know how to quickly and accurately calculate how the injury has affected you, and we’ll work hard to pursue maximum compensation.
What if the Person or Business Who Injured Me Is Uninsured?
Even if the stylist or business does not have insurance, or if they claim they are an independent contractor, you may still have legal options if you were injured by them as a customer.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available through:
- The business owner’s general liability policy
- A franchise or parent company’s insurance
- Claims against the property owner
- Product liability claims against manufacturers
- The injured party’s own insurance in limited situations
A lawyer can identify alternative sources of recovery and help ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Salon, Spa, or Barber Shop Injury Claim?
Proving negligence in the health and beauty industry often requires more than showing you were hurt. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the incident and preserve evidence
- Review licensing, training, and safety records
- Work with medical and industry experts
- Identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered
Having legal representation helps level the playing field and protects your rights throughout the claims process. In addition, it also provides peace of mind for you and your family while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact Our Injury Attorneys Today
If you were injured at a salon, spa, or barber shop in Atlanta, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden of that preventable injury alone. Negligent businesses and employees must be held accountable when their actions cause harm to people like you.
Our lawyers are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Prieto, DelCampo, Lopez, & Marigliano LLC, today for a confidential consultation and to take the first step toward recovery.