Common Claims Filed with Cosmetologist Insurance

Common Claims Filed with Cosmetologist Insurance

Like other beauty professionals, cosmetologists may face liability claims over the course of their careers. Because cosmetology involves such a wide range of services, liability insurance claims are just as varied. However, there are some typical claims filed with cosmetologist insurance

At Elite Beauty Society, we aim to equip beauty and wellness professionals with an arsenal of knowledge and tools to protect them against liability lawsuits. Over our years in the insurance world, we've seen every type of claim under the sun. Here are some of the most common claims filed with cosmetologist insurance. 

Professional Liability Claims

The first category of common cosmetology insurance claims falls under professional liability. These claims directly relate to your occupation as a cosmetologist and aesthetic professional. Professional liability claims are often called malpractice or errors and omissions claims. In other words, a professional liability claim can occur when you make a mistake or otherwise cause harm to a client. 

A professional liability claim can happen when you are distracted, make a mistake, or negligently cause harm to a client. There are any number of specific injuries that could occur as a cosmetologist. Unfortunately, accidents can happen to anyone, even the most careful professional beautician. 

Typically, professional liability claims can be categorized into the following accidents and injuries. 

Burns

Let's start with the obvious, shall we? Cosmetic professionals use a myriad of heat-related instruments and devices to help their clients look amazing when they leave the salon chair. Tools like hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and heat presses are common and safe to use when used properly and functioning correctly. However, when they are misused or malfunction, they have the potential to seriously harm you or your client. 

For example, you're working with a client using a long-barrel curling iron when you get distracted and hold the hot iron against your client’s cheek. The heat sears the client’s skin and causes a painful burn that could scar the client permanently. The burned client must seek medical attention to address their injury and demands that you cover the related costs. 

Scenarios like the one in the example above may be some of the most common claims filed under cosmetologist professional liability insurance. 

Cuts and Lacerations

There's no limit to the sharp instruments beauty professionals use on a daily basis. From scissors to nail files, pencils to mascara brushes, small sharp instruments are absolutely necessary for every cosmetologist. Throughout the day, a hairdresser, manicurist, or facial specialist may have their hands on dozens of small, sharp tools. While these tools are necessary, they could cause cuts or lacerations when mishandled. 

Let's say you're applying eyeliner on a client, and your hand slips, poking them in the eye with the eyeliner pencil. Injuries could be particularly dangerous, as the ocular area is so delicate. Because of the sharp puncture to the eye, the injured client must undergo emergency surgery. The injured clients demand you cover the cost of their surgery and medical expenses, as well as their time away from work while in recovery. 

This is just one example of the many claims that could be made due to cuts or lacerations. In truth, even the most careful beauty professional could accidentally harm their client by cutting or stabbing them. 

Infections

As a cosmetologist, sanitation is highly important, and a key portion of the cosmetology licensing exam. Maintaining a clean work environment helps ensure the safety of you, your fellow workers, and your clients. Fungal and viral bacteria can live on surfaces after they make contact. Because cosmetologists work physically with the public, they must sanitize their workspace and equipment after each client leaves. 

If you fail to properly clean and sanitize your equipment or work area, it could spread an infection to your next client. Naturally, if the client gets an infection from your equipment or facility, they could hold you liable for any medical expenses and related costs. 

General Liability Claims

General liability claims differ from professional liability claims in that they are universal risks in every industry. General liability is often referred to as slip-and-fall insurance because these are among the most common types of general claims filed. General liability claims are accidents often due to facility hazards, lack of maintenance, or unsafe conditions. 

When a general liability claim is filed, it could include a range of injuries, accidents, or harm done to the client. Damaged personal property is also the general liability category. 

Below are a few of the most common claims filed under cosmetologist general liability insurance. 

Broken Bones from Falls

Slips are also among the most common incidents reported under general liability claims. These accidents can occur for any number of reasons, from tripping hazards to wet floors. If a client trips over a left-out broom, area rug, or a step, they could injure themselves in the fall. 

For example, the client is coming into your salon for a blowout. While walking back to your chair, a corner of the area rug is turned up, creating a tripping hazard. Your client fails to see this and trips, hitting the ground hard. When they fall, they land on their arm, which breaks their fibula. The injured client needs medical attention and will be in a cast for several weeks while they heal.

The above example is all too common for general liability claims that cosmetologists may have filed against them. 

Other Types of Claims Filed with Cosmetologist Insurance

Professional, general liability claims are not the only common insurance claims filed under cosmetologist insurance. In fact, your EBS policy includes coverage for multiple angles and situations that other insurance providers ignore. Here are a few situations we could cover.

Identity Theft

If your identity is compromised, it could wreak havoc on your finances and your livelihood. While most insurance companies do not include identity theft coverage, we prioritize it in our cosmetologist liability insurance policy. Your EBS policy can help you cover the cost of restoring your identity after an identity theft. 

Get Protected Today

There's a lot that could go wrong in any profession. Fortunately, we are here to help protect you against liability claims such as the ones above. When you're ready to have confidence in your coverage, register for cosmetology liability insurance with EBS. The process only takes a few minutes of your day, and your coverage starts immediately.