West Virginia Welding Accident Attorneys

Construction workers take huge risks every day. The responsibilities of the job can often entail very dangerous duties that occur on a daily basis. There are hazardous materials to work with, heavy equipment to use, and dangerous structures to work on, such as the scaffolds of high-rise buildings. Welding work involves these risks and more, leaving those on the job vulnerable to incurring an injury.

Get a FREE consultation! Contact Hartley Law Group, PLLC as soon as possible to learn what steps you need to take. If you were hurt from a welding accident due to negligence, you are entitled to receive compensation for your suffering. 

Welding Accident Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 560,000 workers are injured annually due to welding accidents. Given the fact that welding requires a dangerous level of heat and energy, this isn't surprising. Welding is a very dangerous occupation, with the risk of death being more than 4 per 1000 over a career. Not only is the risk of death staggering in comparison to other occupations, but the risk of life-altering injuries is also high. Most workers' compensation claims filed after a welding accident is for injuries to the eyes.

What are the most common welding injuries?

• Burns from fire, sparks, or flammable material
• Eye injuries due to excessive heat or the arc eye
• Infrared radiation exposure
• Electrocution
• Skin injuries other than burns
• UV exposure
• Toxic fume inhalation, especially due to working in confined spaces with little ventilation
• Invisible light exposure
• Hearing loss due to excessively loud noises
• Vision loss due to excessive lighting or injuries to the eyes

What Are Some of the Main Causes of Accidents in Welding?

Understanding what causes welding accidents may help welders protect themselves from serious injuries at the workplace.

Main causes of welding accidents are:

• Asphyxiation risks - never weld in a confined space
• Electrical hazards - improperly wired machines
• Fire-related risks - improper maintenance of a workspace can leave flammable items or vapors
• High temperatures - work pieces must be allowed adequate time to cool
• Improper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Improper maintenance of a workspace - leaving flammable items out or allowing chemical vapors to leak
• Loud noises - improper ear protection may lead to hearing loss
• Toxic chemical exposure - may lead to injury or illness
• Welder's flash or arc eye - may lead to loss of eyesight

The Need For Compensation After A Welding Accident

Welding uses extremely high temperatures to bond pieces of metal together. They become fused together when the pieces have cooled down. This is often done to fuse the framework of buildings, for example. The heat alone is enough to cause severe injuries, especially if there are equipment malfunctions.

A welding accident can even result in wrongful death. If you or a loved one have suffered any of the injuries mentioned above, you need to call our West Virginia personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. The costs of treating many of these conditions can be astronomical and some of the effects can be permanently damaging, calling for more extensive compensation.

Ready to Fight For Justice? Call Our Firm Today!

We protect your best interests and put your needs first. Collectively, we bring over 40 years' worth of experience to fighting for the rights of those who were injured by the negligence of others. Having an attorney who can relentlessly advocate for you in any situation is crucial. When you come to Hartley Law Group, PLLC, you get a legal representative that has full knowledge of handling cases just like yours and can work to ensure you get a fair resolution, whether through a verdict or settlement.

Call our firm at (888) 510-6547 or contact us online to find out how we can help you get proper compensation.