If a tattoo injury has set you back, we'll help you move forward
Tattoo injuries which can include infections or allergic reactions from tattoo application, are usually treated with topical or oral medications and, in severe cases, laser removal.
If you have been harmed as the result of a negligent tattoo application or tattoo removal, you may be able to claim No Win, No Fee compensation.
You are not alone
Around 20 million people in the UK, one in five citizens, has at least one tattoo. That figure rises to one in three for young adults. Figures from the Economist suggest that the number of tattoo parlours on Britain's high streets has grown by 173% over the past decade to service the growing demand for art.
After a number of complaints and injuries, tattooing is regulated under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (legislation.gov.uk).
1 in 10 tattoo customers experience an adverse event
The majority of tattoo applications and tattoo removals are carried out safely.
However, research suggests that up to one in ten customers will suffer a tattoo-related adverse event following their procedure, with injuries ranging from allergic reactions to tetanus and hepatitis infection (sciencenews.org).
An allergic reaction or infection may occur even if the tattooist delivers an excellent service. If you are harmed, however, as a result of a tattooist's negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.
If you have been injured or become ill by receiving a tattoo or tattoo removal treatment, we can help you make an injury claim, on a No Win No Fee basis.
If you decide to make a tattoo injury claim, your personal injury solicitor will take you through every step of the claims process. Your solicitor will be with you until you win your claim and get the compensation you deserve.
How much compensation can I claim for a tattoo injury?
The level of compensation you can claim for a tattoo-related injury or illness will depend on:
- the seriousness of your injury,
- the effect your injury has on your daily routine and work life,
- the losses and expenses you?ve incurred as a result of your injury.
Tattoo injury
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Updated January 2025
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General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA). Awards for general damages are set by the Judicial College (judiciary.uk) and published in their guidelines for personal injury awards.
Special damages is compensation awarded to cover any financial losses and expenses you incur as a result of your tattoo injury or negligent medical treatment. These damages aim to put you back in the financial position you would have been in, had your injury not occurred.
Special damages will also cover your medical treatment expenses, that might include topical treatments, pain medication and antibiotics.
Read more:
A complete list of recoverable losses in a personal injury claim
How is compensation calculated if I have multiple injuries?
Average tattoo injury general damages compensation table
The following tattoo injury payouts refer to the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 17th Edition by the Judicial College (oup.com).
These tables are used by solicitors or by the courts as a starting point when calculating your compensation.
Please note: these average figures represent general damages only, and do not include any element of special damages (e.g. lost wages).
Dermatitis
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term dermatitis | Affecting hands or other parts of the body (other than your face and scalp), where symptoms resolve with treatment, or short term aggravation of an existing condition | £1,890 to £4,380 |
| Longer-term dermatitis | Affecting hands or other parts of the body (other than your face and scalp), where symptoms take several months or years to resolve with treatment | £9,590 to £12,660 |
| Dermatitis lasting years or indefinitely | Symptoms that last indefinitely, and that affect your daily life and ability to work | £15,250 to £21,300 |
Facial scarring
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (relatively) | A hardly noticeable scar (or scars) | £1,890 to £3,920 |
| Moderate | A single scar that can be camouflaged with makeup, or multiple small scars that don't markedly affect your appearance | £4,380 to £15,250 |
| Significant | Significant scarring where the worst affects are reduced by cosmetic surgery, and/or with causing a psychological impact | £10,110 to £33,380 |
| Serious | Substantial disfigurement and/or a significant psychological impact | £19,930 to £53,720 |
| Severe | A younger person (under 30) with substantial disfigurement and/or a significant psychological impact | £33,040 to £107,990 |
Non-facial body scars
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Burns with scarring and ongoing pain | £2,630 to £8,690 |
| Moderate | Scarring such as an exploratory laparotomy scar | Around £9,590 |
| Serious | A noticeable laceration scar or single disfiguring scar | £8,690 to £25,220 |
Psychiatric harm
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lesser | Falling short of specific phobias | £1,710 to £6,500 |
| Moderate | Your daily life, ability to work and relationships are affected, but some recovery is expected with treatment | £6,500 to £21,150 |
| Serious | Your daily life, ability to work and relationships are seriously affected | £21,150 to £60,840 |
Claiming compensation for psychological injuries
Although psychiatric injuries are less obvious than physical injuries and illness, mental health conditions can be no less debilitating.
Our 2025 Personal Injury Claimant Survey found that 29.03% of claimants reported a psychological injury, with 70.97% of these relating to a physical injury.
Injuries from tattoos can lead to social anxiety (social phobia) over body image, depression and concerns about infection.
Compensation for psychological harm can help you access mental health support and therapies not always available through the NHS.
Our compensation calculator can estimate your compensation for psychological injuries. Or you can call us on 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor.
Risks associated with tattoos
Most art procedures occur without incident. In rare cases, however, serious complications may occur. These include:
- Allergic reactions
- Bruising, bleeding and other needlestick injuries
- Dermatitis and other skin conditions
- Infection
- Abscesses
- Scarring
These and other adverse health events are often the result of substandard treatment carried out by a tattooist who has not been properly trained or who did not follow correct hygiene protocols.
Is the tattooist liable for my tattoo injury?
Tattooists have a duty of care to their clients. As well as exercising reasonable skill and care in applying the tattoo, they must provide a safe and hygienic experience and comply with relevant health and safety laws. As minimum, tattoo practitioners must:
- Verify that the customer is over the age of 18 (it is illegal to tattoo a minor)
- Conduct a thorough medical consultation to establish suitability for the procedure
- Gain the client's informed consent for the procedure
- Properly warn the client of the risks associated with the procedure
- Keep detailed records of the medical consultation for up to 2 years
- Observe health and safety procedures regarding hand washing and the use of disposable latex gloves
- Use a new, sterile needle on every customer
- Give full and appropriate aftercare advice
- Ensure that any needles and waste that may be contaminated with blood are correctly disposed of.
Where a tattoo artist fails to meet these standards and the client suffers harm as a result, it is more likely that a claim will be successful.
Read more:
Health and safety breach injury claims
Tattoo removal compensation claims
The majority of unwanted tattoos are safely removed by laser treatment which involves passing a beam of high intensity light through the skin to break down the tattoo ink. The procedure is relatively new and the industry, while growing, is unregulated. This means that customers cannot always be sure of receiving professional treatment by fully trained tattoo removal therapists.
Not highlighting the risks prior to commencing laser tattoo removal treatment may amount to negligence. Other types of negligence associated with tattoo removal treatment include:
- Inappropriate use of the laser, for example, holding it too close to the skin causing burn injuries and scarring
- Use of unregulated equipment
- Inadequate health and safety procedures
- Failure to medically assess a patient's suitability for the treatment
- Inadequate post-treatment care.
Evidence is required to prove negligence in these types of claims. In particular, photographs are likely to be needed to show the extent of the injury. A solicitor can arrange an assessment by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the extent of the injury and the likely prognosis. These factors will help to determine an appropriate amount of compensation.
See also:
Burn injury compensation claims
Scar injury compensation claims
After-care and contributory negligence
Clients who get a tattoo or tattoo removal have a responsibility to follow the aftercare regime recommended by the practitioner. Claimants who suffer injury following the procedure will have to prove that the injury did not develop as a result of their own lack of care whilst the tattoo or laser removal treatment was healing.
Customers who did not follow the aftercare protocol may still bring a claim. However, the Court may decide that the claimant was partly responsible for their own injuries and apportion blame using a split liability agreement.
Understanding liability in tattoo injury claims
The most common claims for tattoo injuries fall under occupiers liability. Click the icon below to learn more about the claims process.
Can I make a no win, no fee tattoo injury claim?
Yes. With no win, no fee, you can claim tattoo injury compensation without financial risk. If your claim isn't successful, you pay nothing. If you win, you only pay a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation.
Get expert advice now
Interested in talking to an injury specialist about your claim?
- Calls are FREE
- Confidential consultation
- No obligation to claim
- No Win No Fee solicitors
Call 0800 376 1001
or arrange a callbackSources
One in 10 people with tattoos experience rashes, scarring or other problems (reviewed: 30/07/2024)
Author:
Chris Salmon, Director
About the author
Chris Salmon is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Injury Claims. Chris has played key roles in the shaping and scaling of a number of legal services brands and is a regular commentator in the legal press.