Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
The beauty industry is known for its creativity, from hair styling to nail art and skincare. Behind the glamour, however, lie unique challenges and job injuries for beauty professionals.
Flaxman Law Group has offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood so we can serve the entire South Florida community. If you’re injured on the job, find out the facts about your rights before you sign any paperwork or make any decisions about what to do next. Our compassionate father-son attorney team believes everyone deserves a legal opinion, which is why our consultations are free and come with no obligation. Been injured on the job? Reach out to Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney.
The Hazards of Florida Beauty Jobs
Beauty professionals, from hairstylists to makeup artists, often work long hours, using various tools and products to achieve clients’ desired looks. The repetitive motions, standing for extended periods, and exposure to chemicals can all contribute to injuries. The pressure to meet clients’ expectations and work in fast-paced environments can also increase the risk of accidents.
Common injuries in this field include:
- Musculoskeletal Strain. Cutting hair, applying makeup, performing nail services, and other repetitive motions can lead to strains and overuse injuries.
- Back and Neck Pain. Prolonged standing and awkward postures can contribute to chronic back and neck pain for beauty professionals.
- Skin Irritations and Allergies. Exposure to chemicals in products can lead to skin irritations, rashes, and even allergies among beauty industry employees.
- Cuts and Burns. Handling sharp tools and hot styling equipment can put beauty professionals at risk of cuts, burns, and other minor injuries.
- Eye Strain. Makeup artists and estheticians often work in close proximity to clients, leading to eye strain and discomfort.
- Slip and Fall Injuries. Cut hair and spilled cosmetics can create slippery surfaces, and falls themselves can lead to fractures, head trauma, and other serious injuries.
Beauty Jobs and Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws
Employees in the Florida beauty industry are entitled to the same protections as workers in any other field. This means that if a worker in the beauty field develops an occupational illness or suffers a work-related injury, they should be eligible for benefits that help pay for medical care, replace lost income, and otherwise help the employee financially while they heal.
Unfortunately, beauty workers face some challenges when filing workers’ comp claims in Florida:
- Some estheticians travel to client homes, and there may not be witnesses to their injury.
- Some beauty workers are labelled as contractors, making them potentially ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Employers and their insurance companies may try to downplay injuries workers sustain.
There’s another challenge, too: Employees in this industry do not always earn a lot. The median hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists in 2022 was $14.97. It was $16.06 for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Workers’ compensation pays only up to two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wage and this may not be enough for injured employees to survive on.
With all these factors in place, it’s important for injured workers in this sector to get every penny of the benefits owed to them. If you’re a worker in the beauty industry and you can’t work because of an injury or occupational illness, contact Flaxman Law Group for a confidential, free accident consultation. Our legal team has recovered over $100 million for clients and we have over 60 years of combined experience as well as a caring father-son attorney team. Just call us today at 866-352-9626 and ask for your free accident consultation.