Jon Mani | September 9, 2026 | Personal Injury
Getting a tattoo is often a joyous occasion, whether yours is for commemorative or celebratory reasons. Unfortunately, however, getting a tattoo can also become a life-threatening experience in certain circumstances.
If the provider of the tattoo was in any way negligent or wrongful, you can suffer serious health consequences, including infections. Here’s what you need to know about tattoo infections and whether you can file a personal injury claim if you have suffered one in West Virginia.
Potential Symptoms and Complications of a Tattoo Infection
Tattoo infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the broken skin when you’re getting a tattoo. You can suffer infections that affect only the top layer of skin, such as impetigo, or develop deep bacterial infections, such as cellulitis and erysipelas.
Signs of an infected tattoo can include:
- Redness and swelling that worsen
- Itchy and painful red bumps
- Pus or other fluid draining
- Severe or increasing pain at the tattoo site
- Chills
- Sweating
- Shaking
If not treated in a timely manner, even a simple infection can become a catastrophic injury that puts your life at risk. An infection can lead to tissue damage and scarring that could require reconstructive procedures to address.
You could also develop severe systemic complications, like blood poisoning. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Common Causes of Tattoo Infections
Tattoo infections can occur for a number of reasons.
One common cause of infection is contaminated ink. This ink may arrive from the manufacturer already containing bacteria or other pathogens, potentially leading to a product liability claim. Contaminants could also be introduced into the ink at the tattoo parlor. A frequent problem that can lead to contaminated ink is if the provider doesn’t use sterile water to dilute it.
Unsterile equipment might also be to blame for a tattoo infection. Any provider who reuses needles, grips, or other tools without proper sterilization can put their clients at serious risk of all manner of diseases. Cross-contamination of this kind could even result in blood-borne illnesses.
The workspace in the tattoo parlor must be clean, as well. The provider must sanitize all surfaces to prevent bacteria, viruses, and fungi from entering broken skin.
Additionally, it’s possible to develop a tattoo infection if you don’t receive aftercare instructions. These instructions must be detailed so you know how to prevent any complications and what to do should one arise. Not providing this information could make the tattoo artist negligent, even if the infection occurred after you left their parlor.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim if Your Tattoo Becomes Infected?
In West Virginia, you can generally hold a tattoo artist responsible for causing an infection just as you could hold a healthcare provider liable for injuries through a medical malpractice claim. Tattoo artists are professionals who owe you a duty of care; if they are negligent in their work, they breach that duty.
If you suffer compensable losses due to your infection, then you may be entitled to begin a claim. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim for compensation.
Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
To have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you need, it’s important to hire an attorney. A lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim and evaluate what damages you may be entitled to. Your lawyer will also know how to negotiate with insurers, who will do everything they can to minimize your claim.
In instances when there are disputes or a fair settlement seems impossible to obtain, your lawyer can go a step further by filing a lawsuit. With a trusted advocate on your side, you can fight for the compensation you need after suffering a tattoo infection.
For more information, contact the Charleston personal injury lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation about your case.
We proudly serve clients throughout Franklin County from our Columbus, OH, office and throughout Kanawha County from our Charleston, WV, office.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.96270905583009, -82.99956356191063
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865
About the Author
Jon Mani is a founding partner and personal injury attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals in West Virginia and Ohio, Jon focuses on complex cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, nursing home abuse, catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He is known for his strategic, hands-on approach to litigation and has held leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as President of the West Virginia Association for Justice. Click here to see some of the firm’s most notable case results.
Locations: Charleston, WV, and Columbus, OH
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