Tattoo Infections: Causes, Symptoms, & Legal Options
Getting a tattoo is a popular way for many people to express themselves artistically, but it can also come with serious risks. While tattoo parlors take precautions to keep their clients safe and sanitized, infections can still happen, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Infections can be caused by various factors at a tattoo shop, and sometimes, they can even lead to personal injury lawsuits.
In this blog, we’ll look closer at tattoo infections, their causes and consequences, and your legal options if you’ve suffered harm from a tattoo.
Whether you’re a tattoo enthusiast or considering getting inked for the first time, it’s important to understand the risks involved and how to protect yourself. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about tattoo infections and your legal rights. Contact Spaulding Injury Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer for a free consultation.
The Art of Tattooing: From Preparation to Completion
Tattooing has been a popular form of self-expression for centuries, but the process can be a mystery to those who have never gotten a tattoo. This art form involves injecting dyes and pigments directly under the skin using a tattoo machine that contains small needles that move rapidly up and down, much like a sewing machine.
Before the tattooing process begins, a tattoo technician will thoroughly clean the area and place a temporary tattoo on the skin for the customer’s approval.
Once approved, the tattooing process begins, with the level of discomfort and pain depending on the size and placement of the tattoo. Some tattoos may take only an hour or two to finish, while larger and more complex designs may require several sessions over several days.
Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo enthusiast or considering getting your first tattoo, understanding the process can help you feel more confident and informed about this unique art form.
Understanding the Causes and Types of Tattoo Infections
Tattoo infections are among the most common and potentially dangerous risks associated with getting a tattoo.
People may not know that they can develop different types of infections after getting a tattoo. Some of the most common infections are caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, and Streptococcus. However, there are many other bacterial and viral infections that can also develop.
Tattoo infections can result from contaminated ink, unsterilized tools, poor hygiene by the tattoo artist, lack of cleanliness and sterilization in the tattoo parlor, improper aftercare, expired tattoo ink, and the use of DIY tattoo kits. Reusing needles, razors, or other equipment without proper disinfection can also increase the risk of infection.
While most infections are treatable with antibiotics, some infections may be more challenging to treat, such as MRSA, which is resistant to some antibiotics and highly contagious. Infections that enter the bloodstream or internal organs can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting in permanent impairments, organ failure, and death.
Tattoo infections can also lead to various health conditions depending on the type of bacterial or viral infection caused by the tattoo. These conditions can range from cellulitis, syphilis, HIV, and herpes to impetigo, viral hepatitis, and viral warts.
Knowing the types and causes of tattoo infections is crucial to prevent and treat potential complications.
Tattoo Infection Warning Signs to Look Out For
Getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin’s protective barrier, making it prone to infection. As such, you need to keep an eye on any changes that occur around the tattooed area.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Increased pain, redness, and swelling are normal in the first few days following a tattoo, but if they persist or worsen, it could indicate an infection.
- Heat around the tattoo: If the area feels hot to the touch, it may be a sign of infection.
- Fever: A persistent fever could indicate an infection; you should seek medical attention immediately.
- Pus-filled blisters or abscesses: If these are present, seek medical attention.
- Red streaks around the tattoo: This is a severe sign of infection, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Infections can happen even after the healing process, so continue to keep an eye on any changes around the tattooed area. If any of the above symptoms present themselves, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent potentially life-threatening complications and conditions.
Effective Treatments for Tattoo Infections
Getting the right kind of treatment for a tattoo infection is crucial to prevent complications and serious health issues. The right treatment approach depends on the severity of the infection. If an infection is suspected, a doctor may test for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and staph infections, both potentially life-threatening.
Antibiotics are a common treatment for tattoo infections. They can be administered orally or through an IV, depending on the severity of the infection. The length of treatment can vary from a few days to several months, and frequent follow-up visits may be necessary.
In addition to antibiotics, keeping the affected area clean and dry is essential for proper healing. Topical ointments and dressings may also be recommended to promote healing and prevent further infection. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for severe infections.
It is critical to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment to avoid complications and promote healing. If the infection persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
What You Need to Know About Seeking Legal Recourse for Tattoo Infections
If you suspect that a tattoo parlor is responsible for your infection, legal options are available to you. You will need to evaluate the conditions of the tattoo parlor and review any available health records, including customer complaints and health code violations.
In these cases, you will likely benefit from scheduling a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate the cause of your infection, determine where the fault lies, and help you seek compensation. If the tattoo parlor is found liable for negligence, you may be able to recover damages such as the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.
Hiring an attorney to represent you can show the tattoo artist, parlor, and insurance companies that you are serious and committed to pursuing your claim.
If you are suffering from an infection caused by a tattoo, don’t wait any longer to seek legal recourse to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
General Principles of Negligence in Tattoo Injury Cases
Negligence is a legal concept that applies to many personal injury cases, including tattoo injuries.
To prove negligence in a tattoo injury case, a lawyer must show that the tattoo artist or studio breached a duty owed to the customer, that the breach caused the customer’s injury, and that the injury resulted in damages.
There are three main times when tattoo negligence can occur: before, during, and after the tattoo.
Before the tattoo, the artist should warn the customer of possible side effects and complications and identify any risks the customer may have.
During the tattoo, the artist should take reasonable measures to prevent infection, including disinfecting equipment, sanitizing the tattoo site, and wearing gloves.
After the tattoo, the artist should explain proper aftercare to the customer.
In addition to negligence by the tattoo artist or studio, some tattoo infections and injuries may be the result of defective equipment. In these cases, the injured person may have a product liability claim against the equipment manufacturer or retailer.
It is important to remember that even if the tattoo artist or studio is negligent, the injured person can only recover compensation if they can prove that the negligence caused their injury.
Shifting Blame to the Customer in Tattoo Injury Cases
One of the most effective defenses that tattoo shops and artists can use in a personal injury case is to shift blame for the injuries onto the customer. This strategy can help reduce or even eliminate the shop and artist’s liability under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law.
Here are a few ways that the shop can shift blame to the customer:
- Liability waiver: Many shops and artists require customers to sign liability waivers. While these waivers do not always protect them from negligence claims, they can make it more challenging for the injured party’s lawyer to prove the case.
- Assumption of risk: If the customer undertakes an inherently risky activity, they cannot sue for known and visible risks. For example, if the artist performs a tattoo without gloves, and the customer does not object or ask the artist to wear gloves, they may have assumed the risks that arose.
- Contributory negligence: If the customer’s actions contributed to the injury, their compensation would be reduced or even eliminated. For instance, if a jury finds that the customer failed to keep the tattoo clean, they might be responsible for a portion of the damages.
Resolving a Tattoo Infection Lawsuit
You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered from a tattoo infection, and your injury lawyer can prove negligence. To resolve the case, there are two primary avenues:
- Settlement: In most cases, the tattoo shop or artist will have liability insurance that covers accidents and injuries. In such cases, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement that compensates you for your damages. If the insurance company is willing to pay a fair settlement amount, your case can be settled without the need for a trial.
- Lawsuit: If negotiations with the insurance company fail, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit against the tattoo shop or artist. A lawsuit can take several months or even years to resolve, during which time you and your lawyer will need to gather evidence, attend court hearings, and make arguments before a judge and/or jury.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will need to prove negligence on the part of the tattoo shop or artist and that their negligence caused your injury. You may be awarded damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses if successful.
It is important to work with a qualified personal injury lawyer who has experience handling tattoo infection cases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Tattoo Infection Cases
If you or a loved one have suffered a tattoo infection due to the negligence of a tattoo shop or artist, it’s time to take action. Spaulding Injury Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer is here to help you get the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable.
We understand the legal complexities of tattoo infection and injury cases and will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf.
We will start by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering evidence, and consulting with medical experts to determine the cause and extent of your tattoo injuries. We will then negotiate with the insurance companies or file a lawsuit if necessary to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
It’s important to remember that time is of the essence in these cases. In Georgia, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning that you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the tattoo injury. If you wait too long to take legal action, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Don’t let the responsible parties get away with their negligence. Contact Ted Spaulding today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
We understand that dealing with a tattoo infection can be a painful and frustrating experience. Let us handle the legal side of things so you can focus on your recovery. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to every client we serve.
At Spaulding Injury Law: Lawrenceville Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer we believe that everyone deserves justice and fair compensation for their injuries. We are committed to fighting for your rights and holding negligent parties accountable. Contact us today to take the first step toward seeking the justice you deserve for a tattoo infection or injury.
When you become our client at Spaulding Injury Law, you’ll be represented by a thoroughly experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like Theodore A. Spaulding. For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury cases, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.
Mr. Spaulding has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers for six successive years.
He is honored as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® by the Top Trial Lawyers in America ®.
Charter Member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association.