Tattoos Gone Wrong and Your Rights to a Lawsuit
Tattoos are extremely popular, as a growing number of Americans look for ways to express themselves. Not only can you see this when you walk around town, but stats confirm it:
- $1.65 billion – the annual amount of US spending on tattoos
- 45 million – the total number of Americans that have at least one tattoo
- 14% – the total percent of Americans who have at least one tattoo
- 21,000 – the number of tattoo parlors in the US
But what happens when it all goes wrong?
Liability in Tattoo Injuries
There’s certainly a known risk in getting a tattoo. For that reason, most tattoo parlors require their clients to sign a “release of liability” form to make it very difficult to be held liable for any injuries.
However, that doesn’t mean they can be careless and do whatever they want. Waivers aren’t always perfectly airtight, and I’ve represented plenty of clients who signed waivers but still were able to make a successful claim.
Preventing Tattoo Injuries
There are some key steps you can take to avoid getting injured while getting a tattoo:
- Make sure you go to a licensed, reputable tattoo artist who follows strict hygiene and safety practices.
- Always check that the shop is clean, the artist uses new, sterilized needles, and they wear gloves during the procedure.
- Before your appointment, eat a good meal and stay hydrated to avoid feeling faint or dizzy.
- Afterward, follow the aftercare instructions carefully to prevent infection, which can lead to more serious health problems.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions at any stage of the process. Your health and safety should always come first.
But even if you follow every rule, injuries can still happen. And people can always make mistakes.
Common Tattoo-Related Injuries
Some of the most common tattoo-related injuries and complications include:
Skin Infections
Dirty needles, poor hygiene, or improper aftercare can lead to infections. Watch for signs like redness, swelling, pus, fever, and increasing pain.
Allergic Reactions
Some people have allergic reactions to certain ink colors – especially red, yellow, or blue. These reactions can cause rashes, itching, swelling, or bumps, and may appear long after the tattoo is done.
Scarring and Keloids
If a tattoo doesn’t heal properly or if the artist goes too deep, you may develop raised scars or keloids (overgrown scar tissue), especially if you’re prone to them.
Bloodborne Diseases
Using non-sterile tools or ink can expose you to serious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.
Nerve Damage or Excessive Bleeding
In rare cases, tattoos placed too deeply or in sensitive areas can cause nerve damage or prolonged bleeding – especially in people with certain medical conditions or on some medications, like blood thinners.
MRI Complications
Some tattoo inks contain metal particles, which can react during MRI scans and cause swelling, burning, or discomfort.
Tattoo Blowouts
If the needle goes too deep, the ink can spread under the skin, causing blurry lines and permanent discoloration.
>If you’ve suffered any of these injuries because of an artist’s negligence or unsafe practices, you may have legal options. Our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your medical costs, pain, and emotional distress.
Legal Help for Tattoo Injuries
If you think you were hurt by a tattoo, first go see a doctor. If the doctor finds you have a serious problem, then you may have a case.
In that situation, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced team can look at the situation and fight to recover compensation on your behalf.
If you’ve been hurt, you can speak to one of our experienced Memphis personal injury attorneys by contacting us online or by calling us at (901) 327-1212.