Country Record
Let’s All Sue The Spa
Health spas all over the country are being forced to introduce compulsory disclaimers to protect themselves against the dramatic increase in personal injury claims against them. The National Spa Authority reported a staggering 36% increase in the number of claims in the first 6 months of 2009. The situation has led to an increased depth in the spa treatment screening process of clientele and more legal protective procedures to be put in place.
A case last year of a woman suing a local spa after she claimed she was injured by a bad massage, is likely to be the cause of the increase in claim activity. The lady already had previous back problems but told the therapist they would not be an issue.Even so, she still decided to sue the spa when the her massage left her with supposed mobility problems and she was awarded a 5 figure pay out.
This win has seemed to have encouraged more people to see if they can get a slice of the pie. Although most of the cases have also been related to massage treatments, there are also lots of incidents such as skin burns, hair loss and even weight gain that people have tried to claim for.There is little doubt that a large number of these claims are not genuine and are simply scams to get money from the spas. A number of insurance companies have announced that they will take strong legal action against false claims, but this is still a worrying time for any health spa.
Spa authorities are encouraging spas to maintain as higher standard as they can and to make sure they screen each client thoroughly. They are advised to source their skin care products from reputable companies, service and check over their equipment as often as possible, and maintain regular high quality treatment training for their therapists
The Duprees – You belong to me
