[LA] [LA] I stepped on a nail at a hotel while doing someone’s hair for a wedding. Can I seek compensation?
So, I recently did somebody’s hair for their wedding. I was their hairstylist at the Royal Finesse in New Orleans.
Basically, one of the coffee tables in her suite — the trimming that was nailed in — must have fallen off, leaving the nails exposed.
While I was doing her hair, I backed up and one of the nails went through my foot. It immediately started bleeding. We had to stop the bleeding so I could finish her hair for her wedding.
My question is: I let security know and they did an incident report, but I don’t know what my next step should be. Should I follow up and ask for compensation (like a free room or something) because of what happened, or should I just let it go like nothing happened?
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The short answer: You have valid grounds to pursue compensation.
The long answer:
You did the right thing by filing an incident report and notifying hotel staff. The fact that no one followed up is, unfortunately, common — but that doesn’t mean you should let it go. Even if you didn’t need medical care, the injury caused pain, disrupted your work, and affected your trip.
At this point, you can make a formal demand to the hotel for compensation. This can include:
- A refund or credit for your room,
- A free future stay, or
- Financial compensation for your pain, disruption, and inconvenience.
Write a detailed email or letter to the hotel’s manager or risk management department explaining:
- What happened,
- That the table trim was broken and dangerous,
- That you filed an incident report,
- That no one followed up, and
- What you are requesting (a refund, compensation, or credit).
If they ignore you again, contact a personal injury attorney (many offer free consultations). They can send a formal demand letter on your behalf or help you file a small claim if necessary. A strong letter from an attorney often prompts action quickly.
If you’re okay moving on, that’s your choice — but considering how much it impacted your business and health, it’s reasonable to pursue compensation rather than letting it go.
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So, I recently did somebody’s hair for their wedding. I was their hairstylist at the Royal Finesse in New Orleans.
Basically, one of the coffee tables in her suite — the trimming that was nailed in — must have fallen off, leaving the nails exposed.
While I was doing her hair, I backed up and one of the nails went through my foot. It immediately started bleeding. We had to stop the bleeding so I could finish her hair for her wedding.
My question is: I let security know and they did an incident report, but I don’t know what my next step should be. Should I follow up and ask for compensation (like a free room or something) because of what happened, or should I just let it go like nothing happened?
That sounds like a really unfortunate incident. Have you sought medical attention for the injury to your foot?
No, I had a tetanus shot last year. Although it bled, no medical attention was needed. Also, a doctor at the wedding looked at it.
Did you discuss the incident with hotel management or staff besides informing security?
Yes.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they’ll be able to help with your injury claim.
Yes.
Hello! My name is Michael, and I’m an attorney ready to help! Your responses matter to me, so I only need a few minutes to review and respond to each of your posts.
Did you get a chance to inspect the area before beginning work?
No, we were in a hotel suite doing the bride’s hair and makeup for her wedding when this happened. Since it was a suite she booked, it should have been safe to walk around.
I’m so sorry about that! Did you seek any medical care at all?
There was a doctor at the wedding — she looked at it. She said since I had a tetanus shot last year, I was fine. She said it might be sore for the next few days but that it was okay.
I also filed an incident report at the hotel.
I was told after filing the incident report that someone would contact me, but no one has. I also sent two emails with no response as well.
I will say this — although it was an accident, it could have been totally avoidable. The trim was completely broken off the table, leaving the nails exposed. It ruined the last day of my trip, and the following week and a half afterward.
I’m a salon owner and stand for hours, so it was definitely inconvenient.
The short answer: You have valid grounds to pursue compensation.
The long answer:
You did the right thing by filing an incident report and notifying hotel staff. The fact that no one followed up is, unfortunately, common — but that doesn’t mean you should let it go. Even if you didn’t need medical care, the injury caused pain, disrupted your work, and affected your trip.
At this point, you can make a formal demand to the hotel for compensation. This can include:
- A refund or credit for your room,
- A free future stay, or
- Financial compensation for your pain, disruption, and inconvenience.
Write a detailed email or letter to the hotel’s manager or risk management department explaining:
- What happened,
- That the table trim was broken and dangerous,
- That you filed an incident report,
- That no one followed up, and
- What you are requesting (a refund, compensation, or credit).
If they ignore you again, contact a personal injury attorney (many offer free consultations). They can send a formal demand letter on your behalf or help you file a small claim if necessary. A strong letter from an attorney often prompts action quickly.
If you’re okay moving on, that’s your choice — but considering how much it impacted your business and health, it’s reasonable to pursue compensation rather than letting it go.
I think this is fine. I just wanted to make sure that if I escalate this issue, I’m in the right.
Michael M. Esq.
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