A tattoo parlor is supposed to offer safe services to its clients and may face liability claims if it fails in this duty. Whether or not a parlor has failed in this duty depends on multiple factors. For example, a tattoo parlor should show concern for your health and safety by observing these precautions:

Ask about Medical History

Some preexisting medical problems may make you an unsuitable candidate for a tattoo. For this reasons, tattoo parlors are supposed to go through their client's medical histories before inking them. For example, you may be allergic to the materials used in the procedure. Therefore, if the tattoo parlor that doesn't ask you about your medical history, it breaches its standard of care.

Require Proof of Age

The majority of states have laws regulating tattoos. In most cases, the laws prohibit tattoo parlors from working on minors; in some cases, parental consent allows a minor to get a tattoo. The main reason seems to be that minors can't give informed consent because they may not understand the implications of their consent or the possible complications of a tattoo. Therefore, a parlor that doesn't ask for a young person's proof of age is negligent and can be sued if the young person gets injured.

Safety and Hygiene Measures

Since tattoo parlors work on the skin, contamination of their equipment can lead to various health conditions. Therefore, they are required to have observed a high degree of hygiene and safety in all their operations. Tattoo artists must use sterile needles and wear disposable gloves for all their operations. Most states, such as Indiana, see that their parlors do this by ordering routine inspections for parlors and yearly training for tattoo artists.

Parlors that have been deemed as fit, hygienic, and safe enough to work in the industry are given health and safety certificates. Therefore, a tattoo parlor that doesn't have the requisite health and safety certificates has breached its duties.

After Care Service

The parlor's service to you doesn't end when you have been inked. It must equip you with the information you need to ensure that your tattoo isn't infected when you leave the parlor. For example, you are supposed to leave your bandage on for one to three hours after leaving the parlor. You can use the parlor for negligence if it didn't give you such information and your tattoo becomes infected as a result.

Consult a lawyer if you have developed health concerns after getting inked and you think it is the tattoo parlor's fault. Let the attorney review the circumstances of your injury before submitting a demand letter to the tattoo parlor. 

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