Injuries Caused by Tanning Beds

Posted By Nadine Diaz

Most people are probably aware that over-exposure to UV radiation is unsafe because it can cause cancer and/or burn injuries. The sun is a major source of this type of radiation, but besides the sun, people are also exposed to UV radiation by man-made devices such as tanning beds and medical devices for radiation therapy.

Even though advances in their technology have greatly improved the safety of commercial tanning beds, they often still exceed safe UVA and UVB limits. Due to the serious hazard these tanning devices pose, there are regulations governing tanning salons. These regulations include parental consent for those under the age of 18, and in some states, people under 18 years of age are not even allowed to use tanning beds.

Do You Use Tanning Beds? Consider These Risks

A defective or improperly installed tanning bed has the potential to cause serious injury. Tanning salon operators must operate tanning beds properly, and must provide safety equipment (such as safety goggles) and clear instructions to their clients.

UV exposure from tanning beds has been associated with these serious risks:

• Burns from overexposure, causing the skin to blister or peel
• Burns from direct contact with a light bulb
• Eye damage (if not wearing safety equipment)
• Malignant melanoma (a potentially fatal type of skin cancer)
• Trauma to the body if impacted by the lid when closing (some lids can weigh 500 lbs.)

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries as a result of the negligence of a tanning salon owner or operator, or even the negligence of a tanning bed manufacturer or installer, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Tampa personal injury lawyers at Darrigo & Diaz, Attorneys at Law at (813) 877-5548 for a free evaluation of your case. We have decades of experience dealing with personal injury cases. We will be honored to represent you.