MRSA from a tattoo

[smblkc]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

Due to not knowing where to put this... I'll ask it here. I apologize if this is off-topic for this particular forum.

Recently, my girlfriend and I had gotten tattoos from a shop in exchange for some training services that we had provided to the artists. The shop is licensed, inspected, etc, and went to great lengths to maintain a sanitary environment. However, we had later discovered that one of the artists had an active staph infection and didn't let the shop know.

This particular artist did her tattoo, and hovered over me as mine was done. Now, both myself and my girlfriend have been diagnosed with MRSA at our tattoo sites. She had to have an incision made to drain the area (approx. 3/4 long and an inch deep) and had to miss several days of work. I had to be seen in the ER, where they opened up the area on my arm....

We were curious to know if there was any type of action that we could take to recoup the lost income and medical expenses (and any other damages that we might be entitled to). According to the shop owner, that artist did sign a form when he started that he was clear of any communicable diseases.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[ecmst12]

That's awful! I definitely see a connection between the actions of the shop/artist and your infections, and it looks like negligence to me, unless for some reason the artist was not aware that he had the infection. I would suggest consulting a personal injury attorney in your area to review your case specifically. You might also consider reporting the shop to the health department.

 

[smblkc]

That's awful! I definitely see a connection between the actions of the shop/artist and your infections, and it looks like negligence to me, unless for some reason the artist was not aware that he had the infection. I would suggest consulting a personal injury attorney in your area to review your case specifically. You might also consider reporting the shop to the health department.

Apparently, he was aware! He had apparently told my girlfriend about his infection in casual conversation with her. Unfortunately, it was too late by that time....

The whole irony of the situation is that we had just given the artists a bloodborne pathogens course and stressed the whole "universal precautions" thing and to treat everyone as a potential source of infection.

The really scary thing is that every customer that had walked in there while he was there (and even after if the area was not properly decon'ed) is at risk of developing the same thing. The health department will definitely know about this.

 

[smblkc]

We're screwed

Well, we had just been to a consult with a PI atty. He said that as long as the shop is insured, chances are good that we could negotiate a settlement. Afterward, we talked to the owner of the shop.... He's not insured**************....

In short, this would mean that we could go after his personal assets. But, no atty will touch this one on a contingency basis, and the cost of retaining the attorney would most likely end up being more than what we want in settlement (medical bills plus lost wages).

 

[XNavyLT]

Are you both still being treated for the Staph? Or is it clearing up?
Just wondering.

Did you verify the shop isn't insured? or wasn't at the time of your tattoos?

I thought maybe he just said that to throw you off.

Also, if you did win a judgment against the owner, collecting it might be difficult if he has no assets...I feel for you, that sucks all around. Good luck

 

[meberi]

Mrsa Victim Too

Hi,

First let me say i'm sorry you have this incurable, repeating breakoouts, and misery in front of you.

Second, you have the type called CDC-MRSA that is urban transeferred rather than the type that IS the parent staph. This is HUGELY CONTAGIOUS AND VERY VERY SERIOUS IN FORM AND RESULT so please always take seriously any outbreak of sores. You can lose limb and life if you ignore it or dismiss the embarassing affliction of it.

So many people now are transmitting this crap due to the sheer fact of denial and mis informed status.

As far as legal procedures,,, ABSOLUTELY do sue, both the shop, owner and artist for any and all medical stuff as the timeline is most provable by you in court. Do not spread it further if you can help it, wash hands like an crazy person, kids and older peeps get it quick and bad, and it can spread with the 'stuff' of an outbreak sore left on sheets or surfaces laying in wait to be contacted to another person who can't see it 'there'.

The artist has most probably been dealing with 'sores' and either maliciously with held the info, or COULD just be ignorantly trying to explain them on his profession, or pimples, or my FAVORITE COMMON EXCUSE FOR THESE PUSS POCKETS AS... SPIDER BITES not, no, ney ney I SAY STOP IT ALREADY TO all who try to be harmless of it when they have been told BY THE DOCTOR WHO LANCED THE FIRST ONE ON THEM precisely what it is.

My ex gave it to me, my boyfriend, and daughter simply because he would not tell us of the seriousness and the contagious factors when it was first becoming identifiable. Now they know and you need to know about it. You can manage yourself for the better with the details but it doesn't forgive the burden you have now.

:GOOD LUCK AND may the powers that be be with us ...

 

[meberi]

insurance

Well, we had just been to a consult with a PI atty. He said that as long as the shop is insured, chances are good that we could negotiate a settlement. Afterward, we talked to the owner of the shop.... He's not insured**************....

In short, this would mean that we could go after his personal assets. But, no atty will touch this one on a contingency basis, and the cost of retaining the attorney would most likely end up being more than what we want in settlement (medical bills plus lost wages).

To be in business he HAS to have basic liability insurance. It may be an addendum to his homeowners policy, or it then becomes the 'addendum' to the building owners liability problem. And most states have strict rules with tattoo businesses so check with the chamber of commerce, and the sheriff's department there.

THEN TAKE ALL THE INK THEY HAVE AND PAINT , NO TATTOO A WARNING ON THEIR FORHEADS.

Really though, homeowners and the insurance of the city who issued this dufus a business liscense should settle with you pretty quick. I hate that I know this stuff. No fun to find out after the fact... GET EM. GRRRRRR.