No One Will Sue Me: I Had Them Sign A Release Form.

We hear this all the time in our insurance office. Tattooists, piercers, permanent cosmetics, and other beauty & bodyworks professionals often think that by having the client sign a release form, they will not be sued. Wrong! The release form can help protect you in court. But, that means you have already been sued and had to hire a lawyer if the shop or individual does not have insurance. Malpractice lawyers now average from $300 an hour and up in almost every location in the country. So the release form may be a help to the sued professional ultimately; but only after hiring an attorney for thousands of dollars and even then it might not carry much weight with the court.

Use a release form. But, be aware it will never take the place of insurance. You cannot release liability prior to having a procedure done if there is negligence in the work. That is a well-established case law fact in the US.

Release forms should list the known complications. For suggestions on what to include, forms can be requested from Jon Jepsen at SentryWest Insurance Services.

Tattooist and permanent cosmetic people must be sure to advise the client of the possible risk of an allergic reaction to pigments. This has become a standard warning.

Additionally, all release forms should warn of the possibility of infection and that compliance with aftercare instructions are crucial for the proper healing of the tattoo, permanent cosmetic work or body piercing.

While it may not necessarily stand up in court, we suggest professionals have a release of liability. If even one client is put off from suing, it will be worth it.
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Check your insurance policy. Many policies require a signed release form be on file at the time of the claim, if the claim is to be covered. PPIB’s policy requires a signed release for body pierces and for students or apprentices working on models. Other policies require it for all permanent cosmetic work. Check out what the situation is on your policy so you will be properly covered if or when a claim arises.

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Courtesy: PPIB Corp.