Jacksonville Ultraviolet Burn Attorney

Ultraviolet radiation is a kind of invisible light that naturally emanates from the sun. It is also the type of radiation used by tanning salons to help customers achieve the darker skin they desire. Although the dangers of high exposure to sunlight have been known for years, millions of people continue to visit tanning salons every year. This may seem like a safer alternative than tanning in the sun, but in fact the UV rays in tanning booths are 2 to 3 times stronger than those emitted by the sun.

The Risks of Tanning Booths

At the offices of Jacksonville burn injury lawyer Don Guthrie, we are concerned about the potential health risks of tanning salons. Long-term use of these businesses can lead to serious health consequences, such as skin damage and sunburn.

Skin Cancer Signs and Treatments

Skin cancer is one of the more treatable forms of cancer, but it is also painful and can cause disfigurement. Additionally, the treatment itself is a long and painful process. Early symptoms of skin cancer include:

• Open sores that do not heal after 4 weeks
• A red, thickened, scaly mass on the skin that may itch or bleed
• A mole that changes in color or shape over time
• Discolored patches of skin (red, pink, brown, white, or multicolored) that grow over time

The treatment for skin cancer will depend on the specific type of cancer, its severity, and the overall health of the patient. Options include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and cryotherapy (freezing the tumor until it falls off). If the cancer metastasizes, or spreads, the mortality rate increases.

Establishing Responsibility

Although the connection between UV rays and skin cancer has been known for years, many tanning booths continue to promote themselves as safe or even healthy. Additionally, negligent tanning booth employees sometimes fail to take proper safety precautions, such as using safe equipment and monitoring the length of time clients spend in tanning beds.

Therefore, a person who develops severe burns or illness as a result of using tanning beds may have grounds for a lawsuit. If successful, the plaintiff can win compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Us

If you have been injured by a negligent tanning salon, contact Jacksonville ultraviolet burn attorney Don Guthrie at 904-493-6455.