Welding Accidents
Welding is a skilled trade that involves the use of many tools including blow torches. Most construction workers use welding as a sub-skill to their main trade, such as a sheet metal worker who welds metal edges or a plumber who welds pipes. Because of its inherent danger, it is vital that each person receives thorough training; even a skilled welder risks injury every time they work. Over 1 in 250 construction workers will experience a fatal injury from welding over a working lifetime and many more will incur non-fatal injuries. A welding accident is often deemed a workplace accident and could qualify for a worker’s compensation claim. Seek the advice of an experienced work place injury attorney to determine if you have a case for damages.
Welding Defined
Welding is an action where two pieces of metal are joined together by the use of heat; the heat melts and liquefies the metal (called coalescence) so they can be joined together. In order to melt part of a large piece of metal, you need to apply a large amount of either pressure or heat to it.
Common Welding Accidents
Burns – Burns are the most common welding accident. Welding burns have the propensity to be very serious because of the extreme heat and pressure required to weld metal together. Burns require immediate attention in the Emergency Room.
Arc-Eye – Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is caused by the electric arc created through the act of welding. UV can cause burns to the skin and damage to the eyes. Damage to the lens of the eye can lead to “arc-eye,” which is an uncomfortable and often untreatable condition that makes it feel like there is sand in the eye.
Thermal Burns – Exposure to infrared radiation (IR) happens from the electric arc produced during welding and other metalworking equipment. IR can heat the surface of the skin and the tissue just below the skin, causing painful and scarring thermal burns.
Retinal damage – Exposure to intense visible light from welding can cause retinal damage, among other optical injuries.
Welding Accident Prevention
Welding accidents are best prevented by ensuring thorough training is received and that all recommended safety equipment is used:
- Eye protection
- Full face shield
- Thick gloves
- Keep the torch pointed away from you at all times
- While welding, keep the torch angled so that there are as few errant emissions from the torch as possible
- Make sure your employer has all of the safety equipment needed for welding and that it is all working/up to code. If it is not, report it to your employer as soon as possible and do not do any welding until the problem is resolved.
What do I do if I have a welding accident?
If you have a welding accident, you should seek appropriate medical treatment immediately. Next, take pictures of the injury and accident site if/when you are able. Keep track of all your medical bills.
If you suspect that the welding accident might have been the result of negligence on the part of your employer, call a workplace injury lawyer for an assessment of your case.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
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5 Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney
Unfortunately, wrongful deaths do happen. If your loved one passed away but their death could have been prevented, you may be looking to sue for damages in a wrongful death case. Accidental deaths can occur anywhere, under any circumstances. A workplace accident, a fall on city property, a car accident, a surgery gone awry, and an infection incurred during a hospital stay are all examples of potential wrongful deaths. A wrongful death attorney will help you fight for and receive compensation for your loss.
5 Reasons to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney
1. Earn All Damages. An experienced wrongful death attorney knows the ins and outs of the laws in your state and will use them to your advantage. He or she will know what other similar cases earned in damages and fight to get you the full amount that you deserve. If the loved one who passed away was a primary breadwinner, you could be looking at millions of dollars in damages in a legitimate case.
2. Success in Court. Many wrongful death suits are filed but then settled out of court. Those that do reach court, however, must be presented in front of a judge. A wrongful death attorney will be by your side during all court proceedings to advocate for you.
3. Valuation of Damages. You may feel that you are owed damages in the wrongful death of your loved one but it would be very difficult to determine the amount that you are really owed without the help of an experienced wrongful death lawyer. Your lawyer will evaluate the particulars of your situation and compare it to other similar cases to determine an amount to pursue.
4. Claiming Life Insurance. Many insurance companies use complicated legal procedures and loopholes to try and get out of paying life insurance claims as their profitability relies on denying claims. A wrongful death attorney knows how to work around these loopholes and fight for every penny of your insurance payout.
5. Reassurance and Support. If you have lost a loved one you are likely in a fragile emotional position. Having a supportive and experienced wrongful death lawyer working for you can be very reassuring.
Every state has different laws around wrongful death including the statute of limitations to file a claim. Filing a medical malpractice claim is a complicated matter and should be left to a legal professional.
Losing a loved one is always difficult but if you believe they passed away in a wrongful death you are dealing with even more. It is wise to seek the professional guidance of a personal injury attorney who can help you determine whether you can bring a wrongful death action and estimate the damages to which you might be entitled. The caring attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. have the expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve and the compassion to help walk you through your situation. Do not wait until the Statute of Limitations is almost up; call today for a FREE CONSULTATION!
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