Piercing gone wrong

[DawnaMarie123]

What is the name of your state? Washington
Looking for an attorney in WA state that could help represent me in a claim against a tattoo/piercing parlor?
Briefly: I got a piercing on a monday, infection started 24 hours later, 1st Dr. visit was urgent care 48 hrs after piercing, 2nd ER visit 12 hours after urgent care visit and 3rd hospital PCU admittance for 4 days infection spread from my ear , across forehead, scalp, cheek and neck. I was diagnosed with Sepsis, pseudomonas perichondritis and cellulitis.
Medical bills are coming in and it’s already over 20k (I do not have health insurance)
The tattoo parlor is not willing to work with me on filing a claim with their insurance. I was able to send dept of lisencing a request for their insurance information and they provided me with it. I have contacted them and received a claim number but not assigned an adjustor yet.
I also have a copy of all of my medical records from all 3 visits, a copy of the waiver I signed at piercing parlor, and pictures I took.
I have a 6 mo old baby and was not able to breast feed her during my care for the infection, I had to arrange child care for her and my 11 yr old son as well as my husband had to miss work
I was in extreme pain.
After my piercing I was not sent home with after care instructions.
And the tattoo parlor is not

 

[Zigner]

You need to contact a local attorney to review your case.

Having said that, the risk of infection is a known risk from piercings. I suspect the waiver you signed isn't going to help your case.

Good luck.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state? Washington
Looking for an attorney in WA state that could help represent me in a claim against a tattoo/piercing parlor?
Briefly: I got a piercing on a monday, infection started 24 hours later, 1st Dr. visit was urgent care 48 hrs after piercing, 2nd ER visit 12 hours after urgent care visit and 3rd hospital PCU admittance for 4 days infection spread from my ear , across forehead, scalp, cheek and neck. I was diagnosed with Sepsis, pseudomonas perichondritis and cellulitis.
Medical bills are coming in and it’s already over 20k (I do not have health insurance)
The tattoo parlor is not willing to work with me on filing a claim with their insurance. I was able to send dept of lisencing a request for their insurance information and they provided me with it. I have contacted them and received a claim number but not assigned an adjustor yet.
I also have a copy of all of my medical records from all 3 visits, a copy of the waiver I signed at piercing parlor, and pictures I took.
I have a 6 mo old baby and was not able to breast feed her during my care for the infection, I had to arrange child care for her and my 11 yr old son as well as my husband had to miss work
I was in extreme pain.
After my piercing I was not sent home with after care instructions.
And the tattoo parlor is not

You took the best first step by getting immediate medical help.

You took the second best step by filing a claim with the tattoo parlor's insurance company.

Here is a link to the Washington State Bar which you can use to locate a personal injury lawyer in your area, followed by a link to Attorney Pages, where you could also find an attorney:

https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal-help
https://attorneypages.com
The initial consultation with the personal injury attorney should be free. Personal injury attorneys (generally) work on a contingency basis (they don't get paid unless you collect on your claim).

Good luck.

 

[DawnaMarie123]

You need to contact a local attorney to review your case.

Having said that, the risk of infection is a known risk from piercings. I suspect the waiver you signed isn't going to help your case.

Good luck.

The waiver did not state infection being a possible risk( granted I do know that it’s a possibility)

 

[DawnaMarie123]

You took the best first step by getting immediate medical help.

You took the second best step by filing a claim with the tattoo parlor's insurance company.

Here is a link to the Washington State Bar which you can use to locate a personal injury lawyer in your area, followed by a link to Attorney Pages, where you could also find an attorney:

https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal-help
https://attorneypages.com
The initial consultation with the personal injury attorney should be free. Personal injury attorneys (generally) work on a contingency basis (they don't get paid unless you collect on your claim).

Good luck.

Thank you,
Do you think I may have a case here.

 

[Zigner]

The waiver did not state infection being a possible risk( granted I do know that it’s a possibility)

The waiver is one of the things that will be reviewed by the attorney.

 

[DawnaMarie123]

The waiver is one of the things that will be reviewed by the attorney.

Thanks

 

[quincy]

The waiver did not state infection being a possible risk( granted I do know that it’s a possibility)

A signed waiver of liability (and assumption of risk) form will under most circumstances be enforceable in Washington. But the specific wording of the waiver needs to be personally reviewed, as will all facts of the piercing and the medical care that was required for the infection after you had your body pierced.

Good luck.

edit: changed tattoo to pierce - thanks Zigner