Getting a tattoo is a big decision; a decision that people usually put a lot of feeling and thought into before choosing one that feels right. For this reason, it is devastating to end up with a bad ink job, or worse, one that causes a person health complications and more. Many tattoo enthusiasts ask about tattoo shop’s liability in the case that a tattoo job goes wrong. Is a shop or artist legally accountable for a bad tattoo or injuries that result from it? The answer mainly depends on the question of negligence.

Was the tattoo parlor negligent in any way, and did that negligence cause a client personal injury or harm? This is the agenda that the law uses to identify whether or not a tattoo parlor is liable for a client’s damages.

Potential Risks and Complications

There are several risks that can arise from getting a tattoo, as there are with any type of process or procedure that involves bleeding or blood. If anything unsterilized gets into the blood stream, it can cause infections, disease, and more. If a needle is contaminated or unsterilized, it can be the means of infecting a person’s blood stream in this way. On top of disease and infection, other risks are possible as well.

Tattoo Parlor Liability

Before a person gets their tattoo, they are asked to sign a consent form notifying them of all the possible risks that could take place. Because of this form, tattoo parlors are not entirely responsible for infections and other health complications that arise following an ink job. But this doesn’t mean they can’t be held liable at all. If something goes wrong after giving a tattoo to a client, the parlor can be legally liable under certain circumstances. If the artist or shop was negligent in anyway, and this negligence led to a client’s injury, then there would be a valid claim against them.

Here are some examples of possible tattoo parlor negligence:

• Failing to Inquire about a Client’s Allergies or Medical History
• Not Using Sterile Needles
• Improper Care and Upkeep of Equipment and Tools
• Failing to Use Proper Protective Equipment
• Working Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
• Failing to Give Proper After-Care Instructions
• And More

It is important to discuss tattoo parlor legal claims with a licensed personal injury attorney. Tattoo parlors that have been guilty of personal injuries to clients often combat accusations of negligence by blaming the client in any way. They will argue that the client was in some way negligent and did not follow after-care instructions properly. Although this is often true, there are cases where a client is innocent and the parlor is the negligent party. To make this distinction accurately, it is highly recommended to outsource professional legal counsel. Most personal injury lawyers will even listen to your case, free of charge, and determine whether or not you have a valid claim.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about tattoo shop lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive knowledge and experience in accident law, litigation, and trial. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to make an appointment with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, today.