Welders play a role in industries like construction and manufacturing by joining metal pieces securely through welding processes. They face risks due to the nature of their work which can lead to injuries ranging from minor burns to severe life changing conditions. The risks become more severe when companies neglect safety procedures or fail to enforce them, all of which can result in injuries occurring.
Becoming aware of the causes of such injuries and knowing the legal options available is essential.
Am I Entitled to Compensation For My Welding Injury?
Welding accident cases can result in varying compensation amounts, with some reaching millions of dollars. The compensation depends on factors, including the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. Here’s a breakdown of the factors considered:
1. Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries lead to higher potential compensation due to ongoing medical expenses and impacts on quality of life.
2. Medical Expenses: Victims may face extensive medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
3. Lost Earnings: A welding injury can disrupt an individual’s ability to work, resulting in lost wages and long-term earning potential.
4. Pain and Suffering: Victims can receive compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from their injuries.
5. Mental Anguish is a high level of emotional distress or suffering. If you have sustained a welding injury, you may experience mental suffering, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
6. Scarring or disfigurement from injuries can have significant physical and emotional impacts. Compensation for both past and future effects of such disfigurement should be considered, acknowledging the potential effects on the victim’s self-esteem and interactions with others.
7. Physical Impairment: If a welding injury results in lasting physical impairments that affect a person’s daily life, compensation can be pursued for these damages. This includes assessing the impact on mobility and overall functionality, which could affect personal and professional activities.
8. Punitive Damages: In cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven—such as unsafe working conditions or disregarding safety protocols—punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended not only to compensate the victim but also to punish the responsible party and deter future wrongdoing.
Exploring Blame and Negligence
Determining liability is an aspect of any case involving injuries from welding incidents. Elements like breach of safety protocols or substandard training and faulty gear can indicate carelessness. When there is evidence of negligence present, the chances of receiving adequate compensation rise significantly.
Common Causes of Welding Accident Injuries
1. Electrical Hazards
Welding involves the use of high-voltage electrical equipment to join two materials together using heat or pressure. This process can lead to serious injuries if not properly managed. Electrical hazards, such as an arc flash, can result when equipment is not properly grounded.
2. Fume Inhalation
Welding operations produce hazardous fumes and gases that can be detrimental to health.
- Chemical Exposure: During welding, metals such as manganese, lead, and cadmium can be released. Inhalation can lead to respiratory issues or long-term illnesses.
- Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in welding environments exacerbates the health concerns related to inhaling harmful fumes, posing severe health risks.
3. Metal Fume Fever
Metal fume fever is a flu-like condition caused by inhaling metal oxides during welding. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and a severe headache. It’s important for those exposed to welding fumes to be aware of this condition.
4. Burns
Thermal injuries are common in welding due to contact with hot surfaces and sparks and include:
- Flashburns can be similar to sunburns. These burns occur quickly due to light from welding equipment. They can affect skin and eyes, resulting in a sensation of sunburned eyes.
- Thermal Burns generally occur when someone comes into contact with something such as molten metal or a welding tool. They can be similar to touching a hot stove and can be severe and cause significant pain.
- Radiation Burns: Welding emits UV radiation into sunlight, which can cause burns that may go unnoticed initially but manifest later with symptoms like redness and peeling skin, similar to a sunburn.
- Chemical Burns: Sometimes, welding and dealing with chemicals can lead to chemical burns if they come into contact with your skin. Please remember this: “Burning sensation similar to harsh cleaning products may cause stinging on the skin.
- Electrical burns can occur during welding due to component issues, resulting in shock-like burns on skin contact with electricity.
5. Physical Hazards
Welding jobs often involve working in awkward positions or handling heavy materials, leading to:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls can occur from uneven surfaces, cluttered workspaces, or a lack of proper footwear.
- Material Handling Injuries: Lifting and moving heavy materials can lead to muscular injuries, especially when safety protocols are ignored.
How Can I Afford a Welding Injury Attorney?
Experiencing a welding injury could change your life significantly as it may impact your work and ability to provide for yourself and your loved ones. Often times, injured workers have difficulties making ends meet. Dealing with the aftermath of a welding accident can feel like a lot to manage on your own; however, you don’t have to worry about the burden of finding help with us. Our law firm operates on a no win no fee basis meaning that you won’t have to pay any fees unless we successfully resolve your case. Our fee is based on a percentage of the compensation we secure for you whether through a settlement or verdict. This payment structure extends to injury cases allowing you to pursue justice without having to cover expenses. It gives you access to representation and the chance to seek damages without having to worry about initial costs.
Every case is distinct. The circumstances surrounding the injury impact on the amount of compensation you are entitled. If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury due to a welding injury, seeking advice and assistance from experts can offer crucial help and reassurance in navigating the situation effectively. Morrow & Sheppard, LLP has successfully obtained verdicts and settlements totaling millions of dollars for our clients’ benefit.
We recognize the effects of a welding injury on people and their loved ones and handle each case with care and respect. We operate nationwide to help clients throughout the entire United States–from cities in Texas such as Houston, Austin, Brownsville, Abilene, and Amarillo. No matter where you are located geographically. You can trust in our proven record to guide you through the legal proceedings efficiently and effectively with our wealth of experience in handling such matters successfully for our clients who have benefited from substantial financial recoveries as a result of our efforts.
Hire Experienced Welding Injury Lawyers
Contact Morrow & Sheppard, LLP if you’re looking to learn about your legal options, how much your welding injury case is worth, and an understanding of the welding lawsuit process. Remember that you don’t have to deal with this on your own—get in contact today for a consultation and start moving towards healing and fairness. You can reach us at our toll number 866 747 6112. Fill out our contact form for a completely free consultation.
