Hairstyler Burns

[Suburbanlady]

Hi all. I've not been on this board before so not really sure how it works, but wonder if there's someone who has had a similar experience or someone who could advise me please?

My 16 year old DD was burnt by her hairstyler when the top half (removable different "heads") fell off and landed in her lap. She had sore burns, blistering, scabs and now 5 months later still has the scars on both legs.

At the time, I emailed the (very big) Company to tell them what had happened and they asked me to send in the hairstyler for it to be inspected. Their findings were that it was not faulty but "worn out" due to the heads of the styler not being removed/attached correctly. I pointed out that that couldn't be correct as my DD only used the one head and it was left on all the time. They replied that they could only go on the report from the assessor and the matter was closed.

Today, after seeing my DD's scars again, I thought this isn't right, so I emailed the CEO saying I wasn't happy with the decision. At first they offered me £150 store credit, which I declined, then £150 cash. I said I would think about it and ask some advice.

What would any of you do in this situation?? I would be grateful for any advice at all.

There are two issues here.

Firstly, your consumer rights. These are against the retailer, not the manufacturer (unless, of course, you bought the styler direct from the manufacturer). As you have had the styler for more than 6 months, if the retailer refuses a repair or replacement, you need to get an expert report to show that it was faulty when purchased as opposed to the fault being due to misuse as the manufacturer claims. You would then be entitled to a refund of the purchase price less a deduction for the use you have had.

Your daughter may have a claim against the manufacturer under product liability. Again, you need an expert report to show that the styler was faulty when purchased. Your daughter may then be able to claim compensation, but I can't comment as to whether that would be more than is on offer. You would need to consult a solicitor who deals with personal injury cases to find out the likely level of compensation.

You need to weigh up the costs of getting an expert report (with the possibility that the expert would agree with the manufacturer) and the stress of a court case against the likely level of compensation. Only you can decide if it is worth it.