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Spas in many areas are having to protect themselves against legal action by tightening their procedures after a barrage of personal injury claims have been made against them. A thirty six percent increase was seen in the number of claims made against health spas in the 2008/2009 financial year according to the Spa Operating Authority. The situation has led to an increased depth in the health spa screening process of clientele and more legal protective procedures to be put in place.

The increase in claims made against spas is thought be a result of a case that went to court last year where a lady supposedly had to have time off work after being injured by a massage therapist. The lady already had previous back problems but told the therapist they would not be an issue.Even so, she still decided to sue the spa when the her massage left her with supposed mobility problems and she was awarded a 5 figure pay out.

This win has seemed to have encouraged more people to see if they can get a slice of the pie. Most have followed the massage claim route but there have also been reported claims related to hair damage, digestive problem and even onset of migraines.There is little doubt that a large number of these claims are not genuine and are simply scams to get money from the spas. A number of insurance companies have announced that they will take strong legal action against false claims, but this is still a worrying time for any health spa.

Spa authorities are encouraging spas to maintain as higher standard as they can and to make sure they screen each client thoroughly. They are advised to source any beauty products from reputable companies, service and check over their equipment as often as possible, and maintain regular high quality treatment training for their therapists.