When you step into a tattoo parlor, you’re trusting that the professional providing the service will offer safe and reliable care. So, what do you do if you realize that you have an infected tattoo as a result of the parlor’s negligence? Here’s everything you should know about this dangerous problem and whether you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the provider.
How Infection in a Tattoo Can Occur
To receive a tattoo, a needle has to pierce your skin and deposit ink past the top layer — the epidermis — and into the dermis, the second layer of skin. This layer performs crucial functions, such as supporting blood vessels and nerve endings and hosting sweat glands and hair follicles.
When the ink is injected into your skin, white blood cells see it as a foreign invader and try to neutralize it by holding the ink in place while your skin heals around it. This fixes the tattoo in place.
What happens if the needle wasn’t sterilized or the ink was contaminated? In this case, the white blood cells can become overwhelmed, and that allows pathogens like bacteria to multiply.
A tattoo infection is usually the result of unsanitary tools, but it can also occur if your skin isn’t cleaned correctly beforehand. If the tattoo artist doesn’t wear gloves, that, too, can lead to serious infections. The location has to be as clean as possible, and the bottle of sterile water they use must be new for each client.
Infected Tattoo Symptoms
Some of the first signs of infected tattoos include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Rash
- Chills
- Sweating
- Bumps or nodules at the site
- Warmth in the area
- Elevated overall temperature
- Joint pain
You can then begin to notice pus and discomfort that becomes pain. The redness may start to spread, as will the swelling. All of this can point to an infection that could get out of control if you don’t receive prompt medical care.
Dangers of Infected Tattoos
Most people don’t pay too much attention to the first stages of a skin infection, but these infections can eventually lead to catastrophic injuries. For example, you could develop an infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA doesn’t typically respond to antibiotics, making it almost impossible to treat.
If a tattoo is infected and the infection goes untreated, you could develop sepsis, too. This is a life-threatening condition that requires fast help. If the tissue in the area dies, you could face gangrene that could progress enough to require amputation.
There are also blood-borne illnesses that could leave you with serious long-term health issues. For instance, a needle that isn’t sterilized can transmit hepatitis B, C, and D. Similarly, you could be infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which could go untreated and lead to the development of AIDS.
Taking Legal Action After an Infected Tattoo in Missouri
In Missouri, if the infection occurred because of the tattoo artist’s negligence in maintaining sterile equipment and a clean environment, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them. In instances when a loved one dies because of sepsis or other complications, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. To file either type of claim, it’s important to seek assistance from experienced attorneys. With their help, you have a better chance of proving a wrongful death or a personal injury claim and receiving the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and all other losses you suffered. For help, reach out to Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
