Welding Injury Attorneys
Industrial Safety and Hygiene News reports that welding is one of the more hazardous occupations across the construction industry. While welders have always had to be concerned about workplace injury from burns, electrocution, and “welder’s flash” (diminished vision or blindness from the welding rods), they must now also be concerned about the toxic chemicals released from welding rods. These chemicals place many welders at risk for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, as well as lung and nerve damage. America’s workforce has more than half a million welders; whether these welders use MMA welding systems outside or GMAW welding systems inside, putting two large pieces of metal together requires a significant amount of heat.
Hot metal spatter and welding sparks can result in second and third-degree burns, even igniting a welder’s clothing. Any time electricity is being used in an industry, the potential for electrocution is present. In fact, for underwater divers in particular, electrocution—as well as drowning—is a very real hazard, with the fatality rate for welder-divers at 40 times America’s national average. Regardless of whether a welder is engaged in hyperbaric welding underwater, or TIG welding at a factor, it is the manager’s job to explain the particular hazards of welding to all welders, as well as to ensure that OSHA’s minimum welding safety standards are in place and consistently met.
If you have suffered a welding injury, reach out to Palace Law for your FREE initial consultation.
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I had an outstanding experience working with Ciana on a personal injury matter. Without her expertise, I would have never realized that I even had a case. Ciana’s attention to detail and deep understanding of personal injury law were invaluable. She guided me through every step with professionalism and care, ensuring I understood the process and felt supported. Thanks to her diligence and expertise, what could have been overlooked became a well-handled case. I highly recommend Ciana to anyone needing a knowledgeable and dedicated legal professional.
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Hailey was super helpful and communication was always prompt and professional. Thank you for all your hard work Hailey and the rest of the team at Palace law.
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They are an amazing team and made my case an easy process to cope with. They stayed in great communication with me every step of the way and fought to maximize my profit. Palace Law is hands down THE BEST law firm I’ve dealt with. Attorney John H and assistant Hailey make an amazing team.
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I highly recommend Palace Law for your work place injury. I would definitely use them again but hopefully I won’t have to.
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I’ve spent the last 7 years working with them and it hasn’t been a easy ride but they work very hard to get the best outcome for there clients. Sandra has done an outstanding job keeping me informed of the process and keeping me feel safe and secure with my future. I couldn’t of asked for a better person and team to help me during this stressful time and working hard to get me what I deserved.
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- Chad F.
Exceptional legal representation! My experience with Kim was outstanding. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to ensuring I received the outcome I deserved. Kim’s communication throughout the process was clear and timely, providing me with peace of mind during a challenging time.
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- Kelly Y.
Aria has been working with me and she is very thorough. I don’t get good sleep at night because of my injury but knowing that Palace Law is on the job gives me peace of mind specially, when they have employees like Aria thanks for letting me give my feedback and putting me in a position to give feedback.
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- Jacob H.
They have been entirely helpful since they accepted my case. Thorough and informative every step of the way. When I had an IME and no gas in my car they arranged for a ride to and from. After fighting tooth and nail myself with little to no results Palace Law stepped in and immediately Sedgwick stopped dragging me through the mud.
Welder’s Flash
Perhaps the most common injury associated with the welding industry is welder’s flash, which causes injury from the intense ultraviolet light produced by the arc ray. A welder who is not wearing proper eye protection or who fails to keep a safe distance from the arc can develop welder’s flash, also known as flash burns. Welders who have welder’s flash may have a significant sensitivity to light, eyes that constantly tear, eyes that feel dry, or intense burning pain in the eyes. An eye doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection in the eyes, a pain killer, and possibly eye patches for the affected eye or eyes. While rare, in some cases, the retina can be penetrated by the arc radiation, causing permanent eye damage, diminished vision, constant light sensitivity, and cataracts. Welder’s flash can also result in sunburn-like injuries to the skin.
Manganism
Manganese is a material found in welding rods, wires, and electrodes. Manganese is an element that can cause nerve damage and destroy brain cells. When welding, toxic manganese molecules can be released into the air and inhaled by the welder. A government report on the dangers of manganese found that the nervous system is the primary target of manganese toxicity, leading to Manganism, which has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, as well as dementia, ataxia, anxiety, and a “mask-like” face. Of all the welding injuries, Manganism is by far one of the most insidious, primarily because—like mesothelioma from asbestos exposure—the welder is unaware of the potential toxicity. In the later stages of Manganism, an injured welder can experience judgment impairment, speech impairment, and short-term memory loss. These symptoms may not appear for years after exposure; therefore, the welder may not associate Manganism symptoms with his or her job. Brain damage from Manganism is permanent and cannot be cured or reversed.
Lack of Personal Protective Equipment Can Result in Serious Injury
Welders should always wear leather or flame-resistant treated cotton clothing when welding, as synthetic materials like rayon and polyester melt into the skin when exposed to extreme heat. Welding leathers are recommended, particularly when a welder is welding “out of position,” in a vertical or overhead welding situation.
Even when wearing an approved welding helmet, safety glasses with side shields or goggles should also be worn to ensure no debris comes into contact with the eyes. Helmets also protect from welding sparks, heat, and electric shock. Heavy, flame-resistant gloves should always be worn to protect hands and arms from burns and electric shock (so long as the gloves are dry). Leather is a good choice for welding gloves.
Additional Safety Considerations for Welders
Welders who work in a confined space or an elevated situation must always take additional precautions. All welders must pay close attention to their job and must work with employers and co-workers to keep the workplace safe. Broken or damaged welding equipment should never be used, and there should not be clutter or debris in the welding area. Welders are often exposed to inclement weather, including high temperatures exacerbated by the extreme heat produced by welding equipment. Indoors, welders may have to operate in awkward positions, work high off the ground, work in confined areas, or lift heavy objects while on the job—all of which increase the risk of welding injuries.
How an Attorney from Palace Law Can Help
If you have suffered a welding injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, Palace Law can help. It is important that you contact our firm as quickly as possible following your injury to allow us the time to fully investigate your claim within the statutes of limitations. We will work hard on your behalf, fighting aggressively for the best outcome possible. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and collectively, our attorneys have more than 100 years of experience in personal injury law. If you are injured too severely to come to us, we will come to you, whether to your home or we will meet you at your physician’s office.
Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; you never pay unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (253) 544-5935 to get started on your claim.
