Los Angeles Beauty Salon & Tattoo Parlor Injury Attorney
10 Warning Signs About Your Nail Salon!
- Stacks of raggedy, old magazines. This is an obvious sign that not much cleaning is happening.
- Dusty mannequin hands and artificial plants. Not only are these objects dated, but they attract dust mites.
- Nail polish bottles with settled pigments. One of the many reasons why we prefer to bring our own nail color to the salon.
- A salon pet. Animals are cute, but they aren’t safe in this environment.
- Clogged whirpool foot baths. The bacteria outbreak that occurred in Watsonville, Calif. always comes to mind when we slide into the pedicure chair.
- No running hot water. How can anyone effectively wash their hands?
- Nail salon licenses that aren’t clearly visible. When sharp tools and flammable chemicals are used, you’d want to be sure that your hands and feet are in the care of a professional.
- Manicurists with open cuts or bruises. Nail care can be a pretty risky business, however, health should always come before making a profit.
- Nauseating and toxic chemical fumes. Proper ventilation keeps us all safe from gases, vapors and fumes that may affect our respiratory systems.
- Diluted disinfectants or malfunctioning sterilizers. Cutting corners on sterilization can result in the transmission of nail fungus and infections.
Unsuspecting salon patrons at risk for injury & infection
A trip to the nail salon or beauty parlor should be a pleasurable experience — a time to relax, rejuvenate and yes, get beautiful. But many salon patrons get more than they bargained for when they develop injuries and infections related to:
- Dirty instruments
- Improperly performed procedures
- Unsanitary whirlpools
- Recycled waxing products
- Staff that do not use gloves or protective masks
Ellis Law has represented people who have sustained injuries and infections following common salon treatments such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, hair coloring and hair relaxers.
Los Angeles law applicable to salons
While the cause of our clients’ injuries may be somewhat unique, beauty salon injuries are indeed very real and commonly associated with infections, scarring, burns and cuts. States, such as California, have laws and regulations that require salons to implement sanitation procedures and use licensed staff to protect patrons from injury.
California law has specific regulations applying to the following professions:
- Cosmetologists
- Estheticians
- Nail Technicians
- Barbers
- Hair Braiding
Types of salon infections
There are a myriad of infections that may be lurking within an unscrupulous beauty salon environment. Since these establishments have a steady parade of clients coming through their doors, if they do not adhere to the strict cleanliness standards that are set for them, many infections can be transferred from one client to the next or even from the people administering the treatment. Communicable infections that result from poor sanitation procedures are:
- Athletes foot
- Warts
- Flu
- MRSA
- Mycobacterium fortuitum
- Hepatitis
- Tetanus
These types of preventable infections can cause illness, disfiguring scars and in extreme cases, even death.
Tattoos and body art
Tattoos and body art such as piercing are becoming more mainstream and also include cosmetic tattooing such as permanent make-up. It is estimated that 21% of adults in the U.S. now have one or more tattoos. In Los Angeles, tattooing and body art is regulated similarly to nail and hair procedures, under the California Department of Public Health. Since these procedures involve penetration of the skin, there is risk of infection both from unclean instruments and even the tattoo dye itself. Blood borne illnesses such as hepatitis and tetanus can be easily contracted if there is insufficient sterilization of equipment.
Insurance for salon infections and negligence
Most salons carry liability insurance coverage to cover claims for injuries to patrons. Ellis Law will work with the insurance company to secure the most favorable outcome and will take the facility to court if necessary.
If you were injured following a salon procedure in California or another city within Los Angeles County, we suggest you take photos of the resulting condition and contact Ellis for consultation at your home or at our office. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have experience resolving claims involving injuries at a variety of salons and health care facilities. Call us today to discuss your case without cost or obligation on your end. Call 310-641-3335 or contact us online