Missouri Workers' Compensation and Cosmetology

As a cosmetologist, you may be exposed to a variety of hazards without even realizing it.

 

Hair dressers and stylists, barbers, nail technicians, skin aestheticians, and clinical aestheticians are all exposed to workplace hazards, from simple slip and falls to lung disease. You may not be aware that your profession is causing an illness or that you have a legal right to workers' compensation to help pay for medical expenses.


If you are a salon, spa, or barber shop employee who is being treated for an illness or injury that is related to your occupation, get in touch with a Missouri workers' compensation attorney. Time is a factor when making a claim for workers' compensation benefits and certain procedures need to be followed, making it all the more important that you check with a qualified attorney first.

The Dangers Associated With Cosmetology

 

Different types of chemicals are used in the cosmetology industry, some of which are being inhaled while others are absorbed through the skin. The use of acetone, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals are all a part of a cosmetologists typical day and may be leaving disease causing toxins inside of the body. Touching these chemicals can lead to skin conditions such as dermatitis, while breathing them in may lead to lung infections and even conditions like asthma.


Hair dressers are prone to repetitive motion ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a painful condition affecting the use of the lower arm, wrist, hand, and fingers. For some it even leads to shoulder pain. This was the case with a Missouri hairdresser whose employer challenged her case for workers' compensation due to a developed case of carpal tunnel syndrome. With the help of her workers' compensation attorney, she was able to show that the disease was a result of her job and was awarded over $10,000 in compensation.

Slips and Falls in the Cosmetology Industry

 

Water and hair clippings on the floor make a salon a dangerous place to work when it comes to the incidence of slip and fall accidents. An employee who is injured by a fall is also eligible to receive compensation for their injury. Report the accident immediately to your supervisor and follow their directions for seeking medical care.

Other Types of Compensable Injury in the Cosmetology Field

 

Cuts and gashes from sharp instruments like scissors and clippers are common, as are burn injuries from curling irons and straighteners. If you have suffered a work-related injury, a Missouri workers' compensation attorney may be able to help. If your claim is denied, call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.

Work-Related Injuries Caused by Repetitive Motion

Some workplace injuries develop over a period of time and do not appear immediately. An injured worker may have difficulty proving such an injury is work-related.

 

Workplace accidents can cause a variety of injuries. While some work-related injuries are minor and only require first aid treatment, others may be quite serious, requiring extensive medical treatment and an extended period of time off work. The more serious types of injuries that may occur at workplaces include fractures, toxic exposure, electrocution, burns, head trauma, and brain injuries.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

 

There are other types of injuries that develop over a period of time and do not show up immediately. An injured worker may realize there is a problem only after the injury has progressed to a stage that begins interfering with the ability to perform daily duties. Such injuries are often caused by repetitive motion and the overuse of muscles. Repetitive motion injuries may cause serious damage to nerves and tendons.


Nerve and tendon injuries can be extremely painful. These injuries are usually long lasting and may severely impede a person’s ability to perform daily work. Common nerve and tendon injuries caused by overuse and repetitive motion include:

• pinched nerves from herniated disks
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• sciatica
• radiculopathy
• tendinitis

Diagnosing Repetitive Motion Injuries

 

These injuries are commonly reported at workplaces that require the worker to perform some kind of a repetitive motion. Nerve and tendon injuries can occur in several ways such as from trauma or inflammation from overuse or physical compression of nerves as in a pinched nerve. The problem with such injuries is that they are very hard to diagnose and treat. The patient may not recognize the injury until it is too late. Many workers who do a lot of physical labor tend to ignore the pain and discomfort and continue to work without getting any medical help for the condition. Due to this, the injury may become chronic and difficult to treat.


If you have been experiencing pain or discomfort, it is important to get immediate medical attention so that a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and provide proper and timely treatment for the injury. Remember, even minor pain or discomfort can indicate the onset of a serious condition, which if left untreated, can turn into a disabling condition.

Missouri Workers' Compensation Benefits

 

If you have suffered a nerve or tendon injury at the workplace, you may be entitled to benefits under the Missouri workers' compensation system, including compensation for medical expenses and temporary or permanent disability benefits. Even minor back pain should not be ignored as it can turn into a serious condition eventually. You may find it difficult to prove that the injury is work-related and not a result of external factors. Seek the help of an experienced Missouri workers' compensation attorney from The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann to protect your legal rights.

The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann

(314) 361-4300