Nail Salon Chemical Burn: Holding Salons Accountable for Negligence

A relaxing trip to the nail salon can quickly turn into a painful ordeal. While most visits result in perfectly polished nails and smooth skin, some unfortunate customers experience chemical burns due to the negligent practices of nail salons. In fact, a 2022 report detailed the most common nail salon injuries as cuts, chemical burns, and infections. If you’ve suffered a chemical burn at a nail salon, understanding your rights and the salon’s responsibilities is crucial. This blog post will guide you through the steps to take if you’ve been injured and how to hold negligent salons accountable.

Understanding Chemical Burns in Nail Salons

Chemical burns in nail salons typically occur due to improper use or handling of chemical products. These products, designed to enhance beauty, contain potent ingredients that can cause significant harm if mishandled.

Callus Removers: These products often contain strong chemicals designed to break down dead skin. If left on for too long or applied incorrectly, they can cause severe burns.
Acrylic Liquids and Powders: Used for artificial nails, these substances contain methacrylates that can irritate or burn the skin upon prolonged or direct contact.
Nail Polish Removers: Acetone and acetonitrile, common ingredients in nail polish removers and glue removers, can cause skin irritation and burns with extended exposure.
Disinfectants: While necessary for sanitation, quaternary ammonium compounds and other disinfectants can cause skin irritation and burns if not handled carefully.

What to Do If You Experience a Chemical Burn

If you suspect you’ve suffered a chemical burn at a nail salon, immediate action is crucial to minimize the damage and protect your legal rights.

Immediate First Aid:
- Rinse the affected area with copious amounts of cool water for at least 20 minutes. Remove any contaminated clothing, taking care not to spread the chemical to other parts of your body.
Seek Medical Attention:
- For anything more than a very minor burn, seek professional medical attention immediately. A doctor can assess the severity of the burn, provide appropriate treatment, and document the injury. WebMD advises to always seek emergency care for any burn that is larger than 3 inches in diameter or is very deep. Also seek emergency care for any chemical burns involving the face, eyes, groin, hands, feet, or buttocks or if it is over a joint.
Document Everything:
- Take photos of the burn and the surrounding area. Keep a detailed record of the products used during your service, the name of the technician, and any conversations you had with salon staff.
Report the Incident:
- File a complaint with your local cosmetology board. This action can help trigger an investigation into the salon’s practices and prevent future incidents. In Georgia, nail salons are regulated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. If you witness an unsanitary salon or other violation, you may file a consumer complaint by visiting the Board’s webpage.
Seek Legal Advice:
- Consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in nail salon injuries. An attorney can evaluate your case, advise you of your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Holding Salons Accountable for Negligence

Nail salons have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for their customers. When they fail to uphold this duty, they can be held liable for negligence. To establish negligence, you must prove the following:

Duty of Care: The salon owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety.
Breach of Duty: The salon breached this duty by failing to meet the required standard of care. This could include:
- Improperly training staff.
- Using expired or contaminated products.
- Failing to follow product instructions.
- Not providing adequate ventilation.
- Using illegal tools.
Causation: The salon’s breach of duty directly caused your chemical burn.
Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the burn, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve suffered a chemical burn due to a nail salon’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of doctor visits, emergency room treatment, medications, and any necessary follow-up care.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income.
Pain and Suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the burn.
Permanent Disfigurement: If the burn results in scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Tips for Preventing Chemical Burns in Nail Salons

While pursuing legal action can help you recover compensation after a chemical burn, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to minimize your risk:

Choose Salons Wisely: Research salons and read reviews to ensure they have a good reputation for safety and cleanliness. Check the cleanliness of the salon you visit in order to ensure that the workers are following adequate safety and cleaning procedures.
Check for Licenses and Certifications: Ensure that the nail technicians are licensed and certified. Salons are required to post the license of every nail technician, and a copy of the Board’s health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
Inquire About Products: Ask about the products the salon uses and whether they are “3-free” (free of toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate) or have reduced chemical content.
Communicate with Your Technician: Inform your technician about any sensitivities or allergies you have. If you experience any burning or discomfort during the service, speak up immediately.
Observe Salon Practices: Pay attention to the salon’s hygiene practices. Technicians should use new or properly disinfected tools for each customer.
Ventilation: Ensure the salon has proper ventilation to minimize exposure to chemical fumes.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, especially when dealing with negligent businesses and their insurance companies. An experienced attorney can help you:

Investigate Your Claim: Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, salon records, and witness statements.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company: Handle communications with the salon’s insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Maximize Your Compensation: Ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Conclusion

Chemical burns in nail salons are a serious issue that can result in significant pain, suffering, and financial losses. By understanding your rights and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your risk and hold negligent salons accountable. If you or a loved one has experienced a chemical burn at a nail salon, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice and pursue the compensation you deserve.