HOUSTON (FOX 26) – A Houston woman is sharing her alarming experience after getting a tattoo, which she claims led to a severe skin infection requiring surgery. Alisa Hatch alleges that a recent tattoo session at Dago’s Tattoos resulted in a painful infection that has significantly impacted her life.
“I can’t even wear shorts or anything like that or dresses because my leg is so ugly,” Hatch stated, expressing her distress over the condition of her leg following the tattoo procedure.
Hatch explained that she initially had a tiger tattoo done in early October by an artist who visited her home. However, on November 27th, she decided to get the same tiger tattoo colored at Dago’s Tattoos, a long-standing establishment on the North Freeway, known for its budget-friendly tattoo services and $1 piercings since 1974.
According to Hatch, the coloring session at Dago’s Tattoos was intensely painful. She described the tattoo artist re-outlining her existing tiger tattoo in black ink and then again with colored ink.
“I had to keep having him stop because it was very painful, and I wasn’t even able to put my leg down on the ground and stuff because it was hurting and throbbing so bad,” Hatch recounted, detailing the discomfort she experienced during the tattooing process at Dago’s Tattoos.
The day after her appointment at Dago’s Tattoos, Hatch reported being unable to walk. Her doctor diagnosed her with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. She is currently undergoing treatment with three different antibiotics and is scheduled for minor surgery to address the infection. Hatch is convinced that the infection originated from the coloring session at Dago’s Tattoos, suggesting the artist might have penetrated her skin too deeply with the needle.
However, Dago Coelho, the owner of Dago’s Tattoos, vehemently denies any responsibility. He emphasizes the extensive experience of his artists. “People have been with me for 20 years. They’re not just new kids in and out of here,” Dago asserted, highlighting the seasoned professionals working at his studio.
Dago further presented a waiver signed by Hatch, including her initials acknowledging the studio’s use of sterile needles and tubes. “The procedures we do here we do through the health department of rules and regulations,” Dago explained, underscoring their adherence to health and safety standards at Dago’s Tattoos.
Dago also raised concerns about Hatch’s initial tattoo, suggesting it could be a contributing factor. Additionally, he pointed to Hatch’s written refusal of their recommended post-tattoo care ointment. “We offered her tattoo solution to put on your tattoo while it’s healing. She refused that. She signed she did not want the tattoo solution,” Dago stated, indicating Hatch declined their aftercare advice at Dago’s Tattoos.
In response, Hatch maintains that she is well-versed in tattoo aftercare, given her experience with numerous tattoos. “I have numerous tattoos and I know how to take care of a tattoo. I’ve never had this issue,” Hatch countered, defending her aftercare practices.
Seeking legal recourse, Hatch has hired a lawyer from the Gonzalez Law Group. She aims to share her story publicly to caution others about potential risks. This case involving Dago’s Tattoos serves as a stark reminder of the importance of choosing reputable tattoo studios and diligently following aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of tattoo infections.
