Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland

Last Saturday after leaving the hair salon I started to experience excurciating pain inside of both of my ears, after awhile the pain in my right ear subsided, the pain however continued in my left ear that pain turned into a sizzling, popping sensation. While I was still experiencing the pain and sizzling suddenly I was unable to hear out of my left ear. Sunday morning I went to the emergency room at which time I was told that I had a chemical burn inside my ear canal. After 4 days of not being able to hear out of my left ear, and 3 days of missed work and intense pain I was able to go to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor there I was told that the chemical burn caused acute otitis externa, which in turn caused a ear infection. Would I be able to seek damages from the stylist? What if she doesn't have insurance? Would I be able to seek damages from the salon itself? The product that was being used is called PURE citrus-spice adhesive remover that was being sprayed around the entire hairline for maintence on a lace wig, along with alcohol that was being sprayed from a spray bottle. PURE advertises its product as having all-natural ingrediants, but it contains iso-parrafins and surfactants. It has only been on the market for 3 years according to the website. Would I be able to persue damages from the company that produces this product?


Asked on 4/17/10, 8:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Your ability to successfully pursue a case against the salon or stylist would depend upon your ability to prove they knew or should have known of the dangerous content of the product. They will undoubtedly deny ever having a problem with it before. As for the manufacturer, you would have to hire a chemical expert who can analyze the product and be able to testify that it contains dangerous chemicals harmful for human consumption. It might be worthwhile to hire a personal injury attorney to make a claim, but since you apparently haven't suffered long term effects fortunately, it would probably not be cost effective to file and prosecute a suit.

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Answered on 4/23/10, 1:27 pm


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