Tattoo Infections

October 6, 2023 | Personal Injury

According to research, about 10 to 20% of adults in industrialized countries worldwide have tattoos. While getting a tattoo can be safe under specific circumstances, there are risks. The Mayo Clinic reports that tattoos breach the skin, meaning there is a risk of infections and other complications. Risks of getting a tattoo include, but are not limited to:

Skin infections
Allergic reactions
Inflammation, keloids, and other skin problems
Bloodborne diseases, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
In rare cases, tattoos can cause complications during an MRI

Common tattoo infections include Staphylococcus, Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Streptococcus, and Mycobacteria. Infections you could also develop after a tattoo include syphilis, HIV, cellulitis, impetigo, and leprosy. Diligence before obtaining a tattoo can help reduce the risk of tattoo infections. Many causes of tattoo infections have to do with the conditions of the facility where you get the tattoo.

Common Causes of Tattoo Infections in Colorado

Several conditions and situations can increase the risk of developing tattoo infections. Common sources of tattoo infections include, but are not limited to:

Failing to sanitize the skin before starting the tattoo
Using unsterilized tools
Failing to maintain clean, sterile premises
Reusing needles, razors, and other tattoo equipment
Using contaminated tattoo ink
Using a DIY tattoo kit
Failing to practice good hygiene, including washing hands, using clean gloves, using sterilized water, and more.
Using expired tattoo ink

Improper aftercare can increase the risk of tattoo infections. Individuals must follow the aftercare instructions carefully and closely watch for signs of a tattoo infection.

Signs and Symptoms of a Tattoo Infection

Symptoms that could indicate your tattoo caused an infection include, but are not limited to:

Swelling
Redness
Pain
Red bumpy skin
Foul odor
Blisters and/or abscesses
Red lesions around the tattooed area
Aches and pains in your bones, muscles, or joints
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Pus around or coming from the tattoo
Fever
Sores that form around the tattooed area

Individuals should seek immediate medical treatment if they notice any signs of infection after receiving a tattoo. Tattoo infections could lead to life-threatening conditions, including sepsis and septic shock.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Colorado for a Tattoo Infection

Infections are a known risk associated with getting a tattoo. Therefore, the tattoo artist or facility will likely require you to sign a waiver acknowledging the risk before beginning the tattoo. If you decide to file a lawsuit for a tattoo infection, the tattoo artist and the facility will likely use your waiver as a defense to liability. However, waivers do not necessarily release parties from responsibility for negligence and intentional torts. You will need the help of an experienced Denver tattoo infection lawyer. You must prove that the tattoo artist and/or business is guilty of negligence or intentional torts to win your case. A Denver personal injury lawyer investigates the conditions under which you received the tattoo. They can also search for other complaints against the party alleging negligence or wrongful acts. Evidence of safety and health regulations and laws could also be evidence used in a tattoo infection case.

What Damages Can I Receive for a Tattoo Injury Claim in Denver, CO?

Under Colorado personal injury laws, injured parties can seek compensation for their economic damages. These damages compensate victims for their financial losses and expenses. Examples of economic damages in a tattoo injury case include:

Past and future medical bills
Cost of hospitalization
Reconstructive surgery
Loss of income, including diminished earning capacity
Out-of-pocket expenses
Long-term care for permanent disabilities

In addition to the monetary losses, a person with a tattoo infection may experience substantial pain and suffering. Their suffering can include physical and psychological suffering. This harm is included in non-economic damages and include:

Scarring and disfigurement
Emotional distress
Physical pain
Disability and impairment
Loss of enjoyment of life
Mental anguish
Decreased quality of life

The amount you receive for a tattoo infection claim depends on the facts of your case. A Denver personal injury attorney can discuss how much your case is worth during a free consultation.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Tattoo Infection Claim in Colorado?

The Colorado statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the injury date, according to Colorado Revised Statute §13-80-102. The court can dismiss your lawsuit if it is filed after the deadline. However, exceptions to the statute and the facts of your case could change the deadline. Therefore, if you believe your infection or injury was caused by a tattoo, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible from an experienced Denver personal injury attorney.

Contact our Denver Personal Injury Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706

For more information, please contact the Denver personal injury lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County. Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers  1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202 (720) 613 9706 Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108

About The Author

Attorney Kurt at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers located in 1610 Wynkoop St # 120, Denver, CO 80202

Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled. Location: Denver, CO Justia / LinkedIn / Yelp / Facebook

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