What Happens If Someone Makes a Claim Against My Salon?

By Dean Laming on July 5th, 2023

Like most salon owners, you pride yourself on providing exceptional services and creating a positive environment for your staff and clients. But what happens if someone makes a court claim against your salon?

Unfortunately, this is a scenario that many businesses find themselves in at some point. It could arise from anything, from an employee becoming injured on the job or a client experiencing an allergic reaction. It’s important to have a plan in place in case your salon is found liable.

In this blog post, we will explore the steps you should follow when someone takes legal action against your salon. We’ll also discuss the importance of salon insurance, and how having adequate liability coverage can protect your business financially.

What to Do When Someone Takes Legal Action Against Your Salon

The moment you become aware of a court claim filed against your salon, it’s crucial to act quickly and responsibly. The first things you should do are:

  • Contact your salon insurance company to inform them of the situation. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide assistance throughout the process.
  • Gather all relevant documents related to the claim, such as contracts, employee records, client information, and any other pertinent paperwork. Keep these documents organised and readily available for both your legal team and insurance company.
  • Seek legal advice from a solicitor specialising in business litigation or liability claims. They will advise you on whether you should settle, admit liability or dispute the claim, and work towards a successful resolution.

It can feel overwhelming when someone takes legal action against your business. However, it is essential to remain professional in all interactions related to the case. Avoid discussing any details with clients or staff members in order to maintain confidentiality.

The Role of Salon Insurance Companies in Handling Court Claims

Insurance companies play an instrumental role in protecting salons from financial losses resulting from legal claims. After being informed about a claim filed against your salon, they will begin by conducting their investigation into the matter before deciding on coverage eligibility based on policy terms.

Once eligibility has been determined, the company may cover any legal fees and other expenses associated with defending your salon during litigation proceedings.

If there is a settlement reached outside of trial or if damages are awarded by a judge, your insurer may pay out those sums up to policy limits stated within your coverage plan. This is instrumental in mitigating potential financial loss for your business.

Types of Court Claims Commonly Filed Against Salons

Salons and other businesses may face several types of legal claims made by staff, clients or members of the public. They may take action against you following an accident, injury, property damage or financial loss if they believe your salon to be responsible. For example:

  • An employee may claim that they became injured on the job due to your negligence (e.g. failing to conduct a risk assessment).
  • A member of the public may slip and fall on your salon floor, resulting in an injury.
  • A customer may experience a serious allergic reaction to a product purchased at your salon.
  • A client may claim damages due to a treatment that was carried out incorrectly, leading to physical harm, financial loss or emotional distress.

Without proper insurance protection in place, you may be expected to pay hefty legal costs and compensation if your salon is found liable.

Importance of Adequate Liability Coverage for Your Salon Business

Adequate liability coverage is essential in protecting your salon from potential financial ruin due to court claims. To account for all possible circumstances, it’s important that your business is fully covered by comprehensive salon insurance, including:

  • Employer’s liability insurance: this protects you against any and all claims made against you by employees.
  • Public liability insurance: this covers you in case of members of the public experiencing an injury or property damage while on your premises.
  • Professional treatment risk insurance: this protects you against alleged injury or damage caused by the services provided by your salon, e.g. hair damage from improperly applied colour or skin reactions from waxing procedures.
  • Product liability insurance: this covers your salon against claims arising from products that you sell or supply to customers, such as moisturisers and shampoos.

Investing in adequate liability coverage ensures that you have peace of mind knowing that both general and professional liabilities are accounted for within policy terms. This allows you to focus on running a successful business without constant worry over potential litigation threats.

Tips For Choosing the Right Salon Insurance Company and Policy

To find the right insurance company and policy for your salon, start by researching various providers’ reputations within the industry. Seek out testimonials or reviews from other salon owners to gauge their experiences with different companies.

When comparing coverage options, ensure the policy offers both general and professional liability coverage tailored specifically to the unique risks salons face. Additionally, assess each policy’s maximum payouts in relation to damage or injury claims made against your business. It’s crucial that policy limits reflect realistic costs associated with potential lawsuits – don’t be tempted to simply choose the policy with the cheapest premiums.

Ideally, speak directly with insurance representatives before committing to a plan. This will give you insight into their responsiveness and willingness to help should an issue arise.

Contact Salon Saver Today

Salon Saver is committed to providing low-cost core protection for businesses that understand the importance of adequate liability coverage without excessive add-ons.

By offering policies catering specifically to salon needs, Salon Saver ensures you can focus on growing a successful enterprise while remaining protected against financial losses due to legal disputes. Don’t wait any longer: invest in proper insurance protection today!

Contact us today and speak to our friendly team. We’ll happily provide you with more information, professional recommendations and a free, no-obligation quote.

 

Dean Laming

Dean Laming is a Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 25 years insurance experience. Through various underwriting, operational and management roles, Dean has built up extensive knowledge of the hair and beauty sector and is now Managing Director of Salon Saver, part of the wider Henry Seymour Group.

All articles by Dean Laming

Leave a comment

Our Reviews

4.9 / 5 Based on 6278 Reviews*

All very quick and easy

Reviewed 1 week ago

Highly recommend by a beauty therapist of mine!!

Reviewed 1 week ago

Easy site to use and very competitive cost. Thank You

Reviewed 2 weeks ago
Leave a review
This website is intended for customers based in the UK and is therefore subject to the UK regulatory regime(s). © Copyright 2023 Salon Saver | Salon Saver and Henry Seymour & Co. are trading names of Barkdene Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 303965) for our insurance distribution and credit broking activities. Barkdene Limited is a credit broker not a lender. You can check this on the Financial Services register. Registered in England No 1842617. Registered Office – Chancery House, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1JB. All rights reserved.
*Reviews taken from our sister site Salon Gold
Redirecting you to Salon Gold, our sister website for salons, hair and beauty professionals.