Alabama Welding Accidents Lawyer Assists Injured Laborers
Dothan attorney helps clients pursue workers’ compensation benefits and damages
Skilled and experienced welders are in demand and wages in this field are expected to rise over the next decade. In select industries, such as airlines and natural gas distribution, a welder’s income can be significantly higher than the nation average. However, these potential rewards come with risk: welders are exposed to a number of hazards, including intense heat, bright light, fumes and the risk associated with working at heights. These conditions make welding a high-risk occupation. If you’ve suffered an injury on the job, and have questions about your rights, a Dothan welding accidents lawyer at Carey & Hamner, P.C. is ready to help.
How common are welding accidents?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 500,000 welding related injuries per year. These include:
- Burns
- Falls
- Eye damage
- Respiratory illness
- Muscle strains
- Electric shock
- Struck by falling object
- Radiation injury
Such injuries can cause welders to miss work for extended periods of time and can even be permanently disabling.
Top causes of welding accidents
Given that welders often work outdoors in inclement weather, they can be exposed to harsh conditions which are bad for their health. Conversely, indoor work in confined spaces can concentrate noxious fumes, which can cause respiratory issues. Welders often work on scaffolds high off the ground where a malfunction or a slip and fall could be catastrophic. They must also occasionally lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions, which can cause strain and overexertion. Welders may also work around wiring, which creates a risk of electrocution and exposure to intense electromagnetic force.
How welding accidents can be avoided
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor sets standards for general welding projects as well as maritime and construction welding. Adhering to these guidelines can reduce incidents causing injury and illness, Similarly, the American Welding Society’s Health and Safety Committee promotes standards for improving working conditions to prevent accidents and work-related illnesses. These standards cover topics such as fume ventilation, lens shade selection, and the cleaning and preparation of containers and piping for welding. Our firm investigates the contributing factors in each case to evaluate if a negligence claim is warranted.
Who is liable for damages caused by welding accidents?
Most welding accidents are work-related, so reimbursement for medical bills and lost income is usually provided the victim’s workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can assist if an employer denies an injury claim, if you disagree with a physician’s treatment plan or if you need to negotiate a disability setting.
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation does not provide full income replacement or compensate injured parties for pain and suffering. Those damages are only available in a personal injury lawsuit. These actions cannot be brought against your employer or a co-worker, but if someone else’s negligence contributed to your welding injury, you might have a potential claim. This might happen if a safety product failed to work properly or the carelessness of someone working for another employer led to your accident. Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of your injury to determine if there is third-party liability in your case, which would allow you to file a lawsuit to obtain full compensation for your losses.
Contact an experienced Dothan lawyer regarding your welding injury claim
Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan advocates on behalf of welders who have suffered work-related injuries throughout Alabama. We help our clients access the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve and help them pursue personal injury damages when warranted. Call [855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. If you are unable to visit our office due to your injuries, we can come to you.
