Sunbed Injury Claim

Claiming compensation on a no win no fee basis means you won’t need to worry about any financial risks, as your solicitor won’t receive their fees unless the case is successful.

Opting for a traditional lawyer means that you’ll pay legal fees upfront, and there’s no guarantee that your case will be successful. So, you could end up in debt and in a much worse financial situation than before.

A no win no fee personal injury claim can also give you peace of mind, as the solicitor won’t take on your case unless they’re confident of securing compensation.

Sunbed claims can be challenging to win because there are strict warnings about using them. However, even though sunbeds come with some risks, every tanning salon should take steps to minimise them and ensure customers understand the potential hazards.

As with beauty salon claims, your solicitor can prove that:

• The tanning salon owed you a duty of care
• Negligence occurred
• You suffered physical injuries and emotional distress due to this negligence

Sunbeds come with a variety of risks, so it might surprise you to learn that there are few restrictions in place for tanning salon operators. The 2010 Sunbeds Act limits the use of sunbeds to people over 18, and any operator that breaches the minimum age will face penalties.

These laws are in place because sunbeds pose a greater danger to children, but using tanning beds regularly can be dangerous for adults.

While agencies like Skin Cancer UK are calling for stricter regulations, their usage among adults is still relatively unregulated.

Many types of negligence can lead to sunbed injuries, but the most common include:

• Poor Safety Procedures: Salons that fail to maintain their sunbed equipment could cause injuries. Failing to conduct regular health and safety checks also puts customers at risk.
• Defective Equipment: Tanning salons are also responsible for repairing or replacing defective sunbeds. Many injuries occur because of malfunctioning equipment.
• Substandard Protective Equipment: When using a sunbed, customers should receive clear guidelines on how to protect themselves and be given equipment like eyewear.
• Lack of Training: All salon employees should have extensive training on supervising sunbed usage. Staff that don’t understand the risks could put customers in danger.
• Neglecting Laws: When a salon doesn’t assess a customer’s suitability for sunbeds or fails to check their ID.
• Overexposure: Salons should have set time limits in place to prevent injuries and burns. Letting customers use sunbeds for too long can cause burns and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Every sunbed injury compensation claim is different, and the payment you receive depends on how your claim is calculated. For example, the general damages component of your compensation covers the injuries themselves and the pain/suffering caused by them.

Your solicitor will also factor in special damages, including any expenses due to your injuries. For example, if you need time off of work, pay for private medical treatment or have counselling to deal with any psychological distress, your solicitor will factor them into the claim.

If you’d like a general estimate of how much you can receive, a compensation calculator can be beneficial – but your solicitor will be able to give you a more realistic estimate.

Burn injuries are the most common type of sunbed compensation claims, and they can vary in severity. The amount you receive depends on the lasting impact of your burns and whether they cause long-term emotional damage.

Evidence is a key component of any compensation claim, and your solicitor will use it to prove that there was negligence. The following types of evidence are most important for tanning salon injury claims:

• Visual Proof: If you suffer burn injuries, photographs and videos can prove their extent. Your solicitor can show before and after photos to give the negligent party’s insurance company an idea of how serious your burns are.
• Medical Records: Even if you only experience minor burns, it’s essential to seek medical help. Not only does this ensure you receive the correct treatment, but it also provides a written record of your injuries.
• Accident Reports: All beauty salons should keep accident records, and informing them of your burns is essential. This provides a written record of your tanning sunbed injury.
• Witnesses: Witnesses to your injuries can include medical professionals, other customers in the salon, employees, and family members. They’ll be able to detail how your injuries occurred and their impact on your life.
• Proof of Sunbed Use: Remember to keep receipts or appointment confirmations, as they prove you used the negligent party’s sunbed.
• Financial Records: It’s also essential to keep written records of any expenses associated with your injuries, including paying for prescriptions, private medical treatments, time off work, and counselling costs.

It’s always advisable to seek professional guidance to determine your eligibility for compensation. You can do this by contacting an advisor on 0800 234 6438 or using the online form. Once the advisor assesses your case, they’ll pass your details on to a personal injury solicitor.

Every compensation claim is different, and the solicitor will assess the evidence and your injuries to calculate a compensation amount. They’ll then put this figure forward to the negligent party’s insurance company.

When making a personal injury claim, it’s important to remember that both parties need to reach a settlement. If the evidence is strong and the negligent party accepts responsibility, your solicitor should be able to secure the desired compensation amount.

In some cases, the claim might go to court, but this is usually when neither party can reach an agreement, and it’s rare.

Once your solicitor agrees to a payment, they’ll deduct their legal fees from the settlement, and you’ll receive the rest of the compensation.

Whether you choose to recover lost earnings, pay for private medical treatments, or use the money for counselling, having financial support can help you recover from your injuries.

The time limit for making a tanning sunbed injury claim is three years from the date of your injury. However, it’s always a good idea to file your claim immediately, as there’s no set timeline on how long it will take to settle.

Your solicitor will need to collect evidence and handle negotiations with the negligent party, which can take time.

Most people know the obvious risks of using a sunbed, but there are other hazards to consider, including:

• Skin Cancer: According to Cancer Research, nine out of ten malignant melanoma cases are avoidable, as they’re caused by long-term exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Other types of cancer associated with sunbed usage include squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
• Eye Damage: Protective eyewear is essential when using a sunbed, as the UV rays can lead to sunburnt eyes (also known as photokeratitis), cataracts, and ongoing visual impairment.
• Burns: Sunbeds can also cause burns ranging from minor to severe. In some cases, the burns might lead to permanent scarring.
• Premature Ageing: Frequent usage of tanning beds also increases the risks of wrinkles, leathery skin and fine lines.
• Allergies: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or aggravation of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis after sunbed use.
• Natural Sunlight Sensitivity: People who spend a lot of time using sunbeds might also become more sensitive to natural sunlight, increasing the risk of burns.

The amount of time your compensation claim takes depends on multiple factors, including how quickly your solicitor can collect evidence that improves the tanning salon operator’s negligence. While some claims settle in a couple of months, others might take longer.

When you work with a no win no fee solicitor, you won’t need to worry about any upfront legal fees, so you can focus on recovering from the tanning bed injury.

All personal injury solicitors will attempt to settle your claim quickly, but they’ll still want to make sure that you receive the maximum possible compensation.