Ottawa Lawyers Talk Tattoo Liability

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Before You Get Inked, Be Absolutely Certain You Are in Safe Hands

While your grandparents may insist that tattoos are for soldiers and sailors, the reality is that today, they are one of the most popular forms of self-expression among people of many ages. From small, decorative tattoos on fingers and behind ears to expansive murals on torsos, thighs, and sleeves, you’ll see many creative and colourful pieces, and you may be considering getting one for yourself (especially as they begin to gain greater and greater acceptance in the workplace). This is a choice for you and you alone, but local Ottawa lawyers want to make sure that you do understand that there are associated risks, and how to avoid them (and having to launch a liability suit).

Fortunately, with greater attention on the industry, greater standards of health and safety have become widespread. However, if the necessary precautions were being taken every time beyond a shadow of a doubt, there’d be no need for regulations or inspections. To ensure that you are being handled with the proper care, look for the following:

  • Are you required to fill out a consent form before you begin?
  • Are you required to show Government-issued ID to prove your age?
  • Does the consent form include information for allergies and medical conditions
  • Does the tattoo artist make sure that you have not consumed alcohol or blood-thinning medications recently
  • Does the tattoo parlour display inspection certificates
  • Do they provide adequate health, safety, and aftercare information
  • Do the artists use new, sterile needles, and wash their hands before adorning disposable gloves?

By making sure that you only engage in businesses that upholds these standards, you are taking great measures to ensure that you are in good hands. If you are unsure about a business, look at reviews online or ask a friend who has been tattooed there about the standard of care provided.
Because you sign a consent form at the beginning of each session, you and your Ottawa lawyers may have a difficult time proving that negligence has occurred, since you will have confirmed that you understand there is a certain degree of risk relating to infection or injury. This is why it’s important to ensure that you are in safe hands-to avoid these circumstances altogether. However, regardless of the risk you assume, the artist still has a responsibility to perform their duty of care, and having your signature on a consent form does not release them from this duty. If you should sustain harm as the direct result of negligent action on the part of the artist, and your own failure to perform adequate aftercare did not in any way contribute, then you will have the basis of a claim. However, if you do fail to perform the proper aftercare, then this falls under tort law as “failure to mitigate,” and you would be considered either wholly or partially responsible.

If you have any more questions relating to liability and personal injury law, contact your local Ottawa lawyers-they’re always happy to help!