Tanning salons continue to increase in popularity as people discover the benefits of easily obtaining an even tan across their entire body. Rather than sitting out in the hot sun for hours and developing unsightly tan lines, an individual can simply enter a tanning bed for a minimal amount of time and achieve the exact look that they are going for. Due to this convenience, even people in naturally sunny areas, such as Florida, utilize tanning beds on a regular basis.

As many Miami accident lawyers will tell you, there are many cases of these types of injuries, so you should be forewarned that tanning beds do have risks associated with them, and it is important to have the facts before you make your first tanning appointment.

The Danger of UVB Exposure

Overexposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) can lead to malignant melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Each tanning bed utilizes UVB and UVA radiations to provide people with a tan, and it is important to understand that this can cause you to develop skin cancer. If you only go to the tanning bed a couple of times a year for special occasions, then you probably do not need to worry too much about UVB. Individuals who go on a regular basis, however, are taking a serious risk.

Immune System Issues

Exposure to an extreme amount of UV radiation will have a negative impact on your immune system. As a result, you will become much more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Immune system deficiencies caused by too much UV radiation can also leave you more susceptible to catching a common cold or coming down with influenza on a regular basis.

Premature Aging

Most people who regularly visit a tanning bed do so because they are concerned about their appearance. These same individuals who wish to have a perfect tan are setting themselves up for the effects of premature aging, however, and many of them do not realize this. It is common for people who tan frequently to take on a leathery or crumpled appearance over time, and these issues can make them look significantly older than they actually are.

Sunburns

Although most people would never associate a timed tanning bed session with the possibility of developing a sunburn, this is actually a somewhat common occurrence. Not only does getting sunburned defeat the purpose of showing off the perfect tan, but it is also uncomfortable. Individuals who obtain severe sunburns run a higher risk of contracting skin cancer as well, so it is very important to avoid tanning activities that may cause a sunburn.

Legal Recourse for Injuries

If you are injured by a third degree sunburn or other issue at a tanning salon, then you can and should contact a personal injury attorney. Even if you signed a release form that states you cannot sue, it is highly likely that a judge will still hear your case. Tanning salons generally carry a high level of liability insurance, and this means that you will most likely end up suing their insurance company instead of the salon directly. In many cases, the salon and the insurance company will make the decision to offer an out of court settlement. Average settlement offers can vary widely, but you should not settle unless you receive a fair offer. Obtaining a personal injury attorney will help you successfully navigate through this process.

Anthony Joseph is a freelance writer, and a contributing author for Miami accident lawyers. Being injured when you think you are in a safe situation can be one of the worst things you can ever go through, especially when it’s a circumstance in which you had no reason to suspect you would be harmed. The way you can fight back is to have an experienced attorney in your corner, to help determine fault, negligence and to make certain your medical bills are covered.
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