5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency (2024)

5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency (1)

When you operate a tattoo shop, your goal is to make your clients happy while bringing in a profit. On most days, the idea of a tattoo lawsuit will be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, encounters with clients can quickly turn sour when accidents occur. In cases where a tattoo accident results in an injury and/or financial loss for your client, you may even face an expensive lawsuit against your tattoo artist and tattoo shop. Here are five scenarios that can lead to a lawsuit for tattoo and piercing shops.

5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency (2)

Table of Contents

Allergic reactions to pigment or other substances used.

In rare cases, clients can have an allergic reaction to the pigment you use in your tattoos, as well as substances you use to prepare the skin before beginning your work. If the allergic reaction is severe, the client may file a lawsuit against your tattoo shop to recover compensation.

Accidental injury during tattoo application.

Tattoo application requires the use of needles and other equipment that could be dangerous if they malfunction or are not used properly. Even if you and all of your employees are well trained, accidents can still happen. If someone accidentally injures a client while applying a tattoo, the client may file a lawsuit against the tattoo shop.

Unsatisfactory tattoos.

Can you sue a tattoo artist for bad work? To keep it short, yes. Tattoos result in permanent changes to the client’s appearance. Although tattoo removal services are available for people with unwanted tattoos, clients who end up with a tattoo that doesn’t meet their expectations may file claims against your business. Even if you are able to fight this claim successfully, you will still incur expensive legal fees along the way.

5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency (3)

Infections.

Although most tattoos are completed without serious complications, infections can sometimes develop. The risk of infection is higher if the equipment you use isn’t properly sterilized, or if your employees fail to clean their hands properly before beginning work. Regardless of the cause, infections can lead to serious consequences for the client, and many clients decide to file lawsuits after acquiring an infection. In fact, a majority of infections are caused by neglecting proper aftercare instructions and protocols.

Slip and falls.

Another common type of incident that may lead to a lawsuit against your tattoo shop is a slip and fall. If a client or a visitor to your shop trips over a cord or slips on spilled liquid, for example, the individual may sustain injuries. In many cases, people who are injured in slip and fall cases decide to file claims against the tattoo shop in hopes of recovering compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

In order to protect your tattoo shop from losses related to these lawsuits, you need to invest in appropriate tattoo insurance policies. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing an expensive lawsuit that could result in significant financial loss or even bankruptcy for your business.

Key Takeaways

  • Tattoo shops face unique risks that expose them to the possibility of lawsuits.
  • Clients and other visitors may file lawsuits because of tattoo negligence, which includes infections, unsatisfactory work, accidental injuries during tattoo application, slip and falls or allergic reactions.
  • Tattoo shops can protect themselves from loss related to lawsuits and tattoo compensation claims by investing in an adequate tattoo shop insurance policy.

Contact Marine Agency

If you own and operate a tattoo shop, finding the right insurance policy is essential. At Marine Agency, we understand how important proper tattoo studio coverageis to your growing business. With our help, you can compare all of your options and find the policy that’s perfect for you. We will also help you make any necessary changes to your coverage as your business’ needs evolve over time. Please call Marine Agency today to get started.

5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency (2024)

FAQs

5 Ways That Your Tattoo Shop Can Face A Lawsuit | Marine Agency? ›

Generally, you can sue a tattoo artist or parlor if you have been subjected to injury or unsatisfactory work. The legal ground for what you can truly sue for may vary from case to case, however. For example, an injury or infection is more than likely going to be a solid case in a legal sense.

Can a tattoo artist get sued? ›

Generally, you can sue a tattoo artist or parlor if you have been subjected to injury or unsatisfactory work. The legal ground for what you can truly sue for may vary from case to case, however. For example, an injury or infection is more than likely going to be a solid case in a legal sense.

Can you sue a tattoo shop for an infection? ›

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit for a tattoo infection. But keep in mind that for a personal injury lawsuit to be successful, you'll need to prove that the infection was the result of negligence on the part of the tattoo artist or shop.

How can I improve my tattoo shop business? ›

Let's see some of the most effective tattoo shop marketing ideas:
  1. Build Your Brand. ...
  2. Proudly Promote Your Tattoo Shop. ...
  3. Create a Professional Website. ...
  4. Have an Online Booking System. ...
  5. Reduce Your No-show Rate. ...
  6. Showcase Your Business on Social Media. ...
  7. Offer Deals & Discounts. ...
  8. Go to Tattoo Conventions.

What happens if a tattoo artist does a bad job? ›

If a tattoo artist or shop falls short of the standard of care in the tattoo industry, and you're harmed as a result, the artist and shop can be legally responsible (liable) for your tattoo-related injuries.

Can you get a refund for a bad tattoo? ›

They may agree to offer you a refund or work on the tattoo to bring it up to your expectations at no extra cost. If they've made a clear error and it's not your fault (e.g. you supplied an incorrect spelling) then you can demand reimbursem*nt and ask for reasonable' costs to get it fixed.

Can a tattoo artist refuse a tattoo? ›

In conclusion, tattoo artists do have the right to refuse certain tattoo requests, especially those that go against their personal beliefs, violate professional standards, or are in breach of legal regulations.

Can you sue a tattoo artist for misspelling? ›

So, to sue the tattoo artist you have to prove breach of a duty of care to the tattoo-ee and damages. A misspelling is pretty bad and is pretty clear-cut breach of a duty of care – unless you don't provide the spelling to the tattoo artist.

Can you sue for a tattoo blowout? ›

Tattoo shops face unique risks that expose them to the possibility of lawsuits. Clients and other visitors may file lawsuits because of tattoo negligence, which includes infections, unsatisfactory work, accidental injuries during tattoo application, slip and falls or allergic reactions.

Can you sue someone for not hiring you because of tattoos? ›

No. Tattoos aren't covered by discrimination laws in the US. Any company has the right to not hire someone for elective, non-natural appearing body modifications. Piercings, tattoos and modifications (gauged earlobes, sharpened teeth, split tongue) aren't protected.

How much do tattoo shop owners make a year? ›

3. Tattoo Business Revenues and Average Earnings. Average revenues per tattoo studio are estimated at $241,000, and the typical tattoo artist earns $50,000/year. In large metro areas, shops with 5 or 6 artists renting space, it's not unusual for a studio to generate $500,000 or more per year in receipts.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist who owns the shop? ›

Tattoo Shop Owner

You don't have to tip the shop owner unless they also did your tattoo. You don't have to feel bad about not tipping the owner either. Most of the tattoo artists renting chairs pay a portion of their earnings to the owner for space in the shop and/or supplies.

Do tattoo artists get paid by the shop? ›

Tattoo artists receive payment for each tattoo they complete, but if they don't own their own studio, the studio owners will typically take a commission from each tattoo. The specific commission arrangement varies depending on the contract, with a common split being an even 50/50 between the studio and the artist.

What happens if the tattoo artist messes up? ›

If you don't want to use the same tattooist, that discussion will need to be had with tattoo shop management so that they can rectify the situation. If the issue is clearly due to negligence, you will likely get a refund and be welcomed back for correction at a later date.

Can a job reject you for tattoos? ›

While there is no federal law against hiring discrimination solely based on tattoos, it's important to consider how your tattoo's composition and placement might impact your potential to be hired before you get it. A visible tattoo or statement piercing may (or may not) have an effect on your employability.

What makes tattoos unprofessional? ›

Tattoos are an art form that people use to decorate their bodies, and they should not be regarded as unprofessional. If the content of a tattoo is racist, hom*ophobic, or problematic in some way, this is a different story. Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character.

What if the tattoo artist messed up? ›

If you don't want to use the same tattooist, that discussion will need to be had with tattoo shop management so that they can rectify the situation. If the issue is clearly due to negligence, you will likely get a refund and be welcomed back for correction at a later date.

Do tattoo artists have to follow copyright laws? ›

Understanding different tattoo art scenarios

The new design was created by the client instead of the artist, theoretically giving them authorship. However, copyright law allows more than one person to own a work—and the tattoo artist, having inked the piece itself, also has the right to copyright protection.

Do tattoo artists judge your body? ›

The client-Tattoo Artist relationship is purely professional and free from sexuality, shame, or judging. Therefore, it is not uncommon for customers to feel an emotional and sentimental connection with a person who marks their skin permanently.

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