Area resident Jamie Gerardo is suing Lash Co. for a staph infection she developed after the company stamped a tattoo across her right breast.
The suit was filed Aug. 31 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, Gerardo, a cancer survivor, wanted to have tattoos and permanent makeup applied to her skin. On Sept. 7, 2009, a Lash employee was applying the permanent makeup and injured her eye.
Gerardo was paid a $2,000 settlement and returned to the company for breast tattoos.
"However, defendants failed to use proper sterile technique ... and plaintiff developed a staff infection (sic) which destroyed the tattoo and injured her right breast," the suit states.
In addition to scarring her body, Gerardo faults Lash for failing to inform her that tattoo ink is metallic based and negligently failed to warn her that the ink can have adverse affects on cancer patients.
The plaintiff is suing for her alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.
Attorney Larry Hunter of the Beaumont law firm Provost Umphrey represents her.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A190-780