Getting a tattoo is a great way to express yourself, but it’s something that should be taken seriously since you’ll likely have that ink on your body for the rest of your life. That’s why people need to be a certain age before they can get a tattoo without a parent’s consent. And most tattoo shops enforce these rules, but there are always exceptions. One mom has written intoQuoraexplaining that her 15-year-old got a tattoo without her permission and she wants to know if she can sue the shop that did it.
A tattoo artist responded with all the details, pointing out that not only can the mom sue them, she can also press criminal charges. The thing is, there are a few specifics mom needs to find out first to know if the tattoo parlor is at fault:
- Did her teen show an ID?- If the kid didn’t show one, the case is already won. But if they did show one and it was a fake ID, things get tricky. If the ID looked nearly identical to the teen and would’ve fooled most people, the shop may have a case. But if it was clearly a fake or altered, that’s another story.
- Can she prove the shop knowingly tattooed a minor?- A reputable shop would do paperwork of some kind before inking, but if the shop knew the teen was underage, they probably wouldn’t do paperwork. Then it’s the kid’s word against the shop and the burden of proof is on mom.
- Did another adult give permission?- Some states allow for adults other than parents or legal guardians to sign off on tattoos for minors and if someone gave the okay for this teen, it’s on them and not the shop.
The tattoo artist suggests that the mom talk to the shop to find out the answers and warns her that lawsuits can be tough and unless she can prove an actual crime took place, she might not get very far.
Source:Moms.com