Burnt by Waxing Treatment

miss_t_2

Hi,

I am hoping someone here can help me? I went for a facial waxing treatment yesterday (which I've had done half a dozen times before), which all went to plan until I left and realised that just below my eye was stinging more than the rest of my face.

I got to my car and looked in my mirror and noticed that my cheek area was very red. I thought nothing more of it (stupid I know) as I thought the redness would calm down. However it did not and later in the afternoon the area was bright red and stinging a lot.

I then rung the beauty salon back who didn't know what to suggest and told me to apply cold water and aloe vera gel which I did.

I woke up this morning to find a big red burn on my cheek :eek: and a couple of little burns around my lip area (all on the same side). As I had to go to the dr's anyway today, I thought I'd ask him about it. However it is so prominent he asked me first! He has confirmed I've been burnt by the wax and measured the area and it is 2cm long. I've been prescribed a cream as he said although the aloe vera gel is good, I'll need something stronger as it may get infected. I've also been told that if I plan to go away on holiday in the next 3-4 months I'll have to be very careful in the sun, as now that area will have a different pigmentation to the rest of my face.

Being very unhappy about this, I went back to the beauty salon to show them how bad the scarring was. The beautician implied I did it myself and the owner's husband just said he didn't understand what I wanted him to do. :mad: Apologise maybe? I expressed I wasn't very happy at their attitude as it was not something that I would do to myself, as I now can't wash my face with soap, apply cream or anything. I can't even cry as the tears are stinging the area. He then took my number and said the owner would get back to me. I am really annoyed, as I used to be a regular customer and am so angry at their attitude towards this.

Can anyone please tell me what my rights are in regards to this. To be honest I'd have been happy if they apologised for what they'd done, but that's unlikely. As much as I'd like to stay at home and hide I can't, as it's likely the burn will leave permanent damage to my skin (which hopefully I can cover with make-up) so I can't hide forever. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

miss_t_2

I apologise if I've posted in the wrong place, please move it if I have. I've never used this site before and wasn't sure where to ask.

makapo

That sounds very serious. You're right to want something to be done. Trading Standards might not be the right office to contact but I imagine they could tell you who to ring. Call them at your local council.

I think you should speak to a solicitor also -- not the ones who are always on tv urging people to seek compensation, but a respectable firm. Word of mouth is the best recommendation.

miss_t_2

Thank you, I'll go look for the Trading Standards number now. Too be honest, compensation never crossed my mind, I'm not sure what I thought would happen by going in to show them my face, I know it sounds completely weird, but I want told off for not carrying out their job properly, and for not acknowledging what they've done wrong!

slummymummyof3

Take some photos of the burns so that you have evidence of the injuries. I'm assuming it will also now be on your medical records as you spoke to your GP about it.

You should seek legal advice and as Makapo says - not from one of these tv ones. Look for a reputable solicitor fairly local to you.

The wax should have been thermostatically controlled - perhaps the thermostat has failed.

4743hudsonj

miss_t wrote: »

I apologise if I've posted in the wrong place, please move it if I have. I've never used this site before and wasn't sure where to ask.

they should have insurance for this sort of thing, or i would of hoped so...


contruct a letter outlining your complaint, including dates, names a receipt if you have it and any relevant info like the doctor who saw you, what they said and a copy of your prescription or atleast the name of cream.

keep it clear, informative but concise and above all remain polite, maybe comment on how good their service was before and how much you enjoyed their treatments.

just say you are unhappy how they have resolved the matter and wish to discuss suitable redress.

try not to say compensation

redress could just mean a refund and apology so keeps you in a strong position.

give them a time frame to reply 7 working days maybe?

and also state politely that if they do not reply or do not offer suitable redress (refund, cost of prescription and apology at least imho) you will contact trading standards and begin court actions against them for the amount.

include your name, address, email and maybe a number.

sed this letter via recorded mail OR email, either is good, just make sure you keep a copy in either case and for the email, make it so you receive a notification of when the email has been opened.

makapo

miss_t wrote: »

Thank you, I'll go look for the Trading Standards number now. Too be honest, compensation never crossed my mind, I'm not sure what I thought would happen by going in to show them my face, I know it sounds completely weird, but I want told off for not carrying out their job properly, and for not acknowledging what they've done wrong!

Very understandable to want to show them, and it's as well that you did, since they are entitled to see the evidence of harm. The most important thing is to get medical treatment, which you are doing. Next in priority -- get the place investigated so others don't come to harm. After that, in my opinion it's reasonable to seek compensation.

Many people post on this forum wanting compensation for minor incidents in which they have suffered no real injury. Your case is different. That's what the laws are there for.

By the way, it might be a good idea to start keeping a log and also to photograph your face. If TS take action, it will help them,and will also help your solicitor if you decide to take action.

makapo

4743hudsonj wrote: »

they should have insurance for this sort of thing, or i would of hoped so...


contruct a letter outlining your complaint, including dates, names a receipt if you have it and any relevant info like the doctor who saw you, what they said and a copy of your prescription or atleast the name of cream.

keep it clear, informative but concise and above all remain polite, maybe comment on how good their service was before and how much you enjoyed their treatments.

just say you are unhappy how they have resolved the matter and wish to discuss suitable redress.

try not to say compensation

redress could just mean a refund and apology so keeps you in a strong position.

give them a time frame to reply 7 working days maybe?

and also state politely that if they do not reply or do not offer suitable redress (refund, cost of prescription and apology at least imho) you will contact trading standards and begin court actions against them for the amount.

include your name, address, email and maybe a number.

sed this letter via recorded mail OR email, either is good, just make sure you keep a copy in either case and for the email, make it so you receive a notification of when the email has been opened.

Good advice -- I agree "redress" is a better word to use.

4743hudsonj

makapo wrote: »

Good advice -- I agree "redress" is a better word to use.

i forgot to mention photographic evidence in my post, would help....:rolleyes:

Tozer

makapo wrote: »

Good advice -- I agree "redress" is a better word to use.

Not if there is to be a claim for compensation. There is a pre-action protocol under the Civil Procedure Rules which must be followed.

The best advice is, assuming the injury is sufficiently bad, to take advice from a specialist PI solicitor.

pinkshoes

Do exactly as 4743hudsonj says in post 6, and perhaps also ask them to pay for some special very high factor sun screen for when you go on holiday - my mate has to wear it as she has some strange skin pigmentation thing, and it's quite expensive!! It will prevent the burnt area getting any more damaged.