Can You Sue for a Bad Tattoo: Legal Rights & Compensation (2025 Guide)

Decorating our body with a tattoo is a very important and complex decision. We think long and hard about the design, we choose a tattoo parlour and a specialist who will be able to make the tattoo we have imagined come true exactly as it is in our imagination. In addition to this long preparation, we spend time and money, endure varying degrees of pain to have the tattoo of our dreams. However, no one is immune from mistakes. And in the art of tattooing, there are cases when the image does not turn out the way we wanted. Or, worse, there are infections and diseases that threaten our health. In such cases, the question naturally arises: can the person wearing the tattoo sue the tattoo parlour or specialist for the damages he or she has suffered? In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through your rights, how to recognise negligence, and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.

Legal action for various tattoo-related issues is actually not a new phenomenon. This is what has forced tattoo parlours to have insurance. If during the tattoo process you are dissatisfied with any injury or the design you have chosen is not created exactly as you wanted, then you can apply to the tattoo parlour’s insurance. And if the tattoo parlour does not have insurance, then you can go to court with the help of a lawyer. By the way, many lawyers offer free consultations in case of claims related to injuries.

Insurance

Many tattoo parlours, in addition to cooperating with the insurance service, also insure themselves with release forms. If you sign this paper, it will be quite difficult for the client to file a complaint about the artistic inconsistency of the tattoo. But as for burns, blisters or infections, then in this case the release form does not play any role. That is, when tattoo mistakes involve serious legal violations, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. These grounds can be:

Negligence

Breach of contract

Lack of informed consent

Health and safety violations

Common Reasons People Sue Over Tattoos

1. Infections

If an infection occurred due to the technician’s failure to follow hygiene rules, sterilising equipment, and working in a clean environment, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages caused by negligence. Learn more about infections here.

2. Allergic Reactions

In the case of allergies, you can file a lawsuit against the master if he or she did not clarify whether you have allergies or not.

3. Mistakes in the Design

A faulty design can be considered a breach of contract, for which you can sue the specialist.

4. Scarring or Permanent Skin Damage

You can claim compensation if the professional used incorrect tattooing techniques or failed to provide proper aftercare instructions, resulting in a scar on your skin.

Tattooing While Under the Influence

It is illegal for a tattoo artist to tattoo a client who is under the influence of alcohol.

In order for your lawsuit to be successful, you must prove that the artist did not work safely and professionally, that he or she did not fully perform his or her duties, and that you suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of his or her actions. Learn more about legal steps you can take here.

What Compensation Can You Expect

You may be able to recover all medical expenses, whether it be treatment or tattoo removal. You may also be able to recover for excruciating pain and lost wages if your injury prevented you from going to work.

What to Do Before Filing a Claim

You should have photos of the tattoo and the injury you received, consult with another tattoo artist, who is, of course, a professional. You should see a doctor and document your problem, and keep all receipts and communication with the tattoo parlour. It is also important to have a personal lawyer who has experience handling injury cases.

When Will Your Claim Be Denied?

If you have changed your mind about the design, or if you have not properly followed all aftercare instructions, or if you have signed a waiver, your lawsuit will be dismissed. Of course, as we have already mentioned above, a waiver will be invalid if the problem you have is the result of negligence.

Summary

The consequences of a bad tattoo are very painful and financially burdensome. Knowing the law and your rights in this case is very important. In this case, you will be able to take advantage of the protection offered by the law and even receive compensation. It is important to work with a lawyer who is knowledgeable and has experience working in similar situations. And the result will be that after recovery, you may even go for your next tattoo.