Welding Accidents Lawyer

Welding on construction sites is a significant occupational hazard. Welding accidents may occur in the oil and gas industry, mining, shipbuilding, and more. However, it is construction related welding accidents that are the leading cause of accidents of this type.

Construction workers often weld on high buildings using ladders or scaffolding. The leading cause of all construction accidents, injury or death are falls, and welders are subject to the same dangerous safety concerns as other workers on the jobsite. Falls from scaffolding are quite common when welding is being performed. Welders are often required to work in confined places like tunnels. Injury to pipefitters and steamfitter welders often occur in such tunnels, trenches, and other confined spaces in buildings. Welders are also occasionally hurt in wall or roof collapses, getting stuck by objects, electrocuted, and exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals. The most common welding accident injuries are falls, electrical shock, eye injuries, and fires.

Fortunately, New York Labor Law provides for the safety of welders and construction workers on the job at construction sites. The Law mandates that property owners, employers, contractors, and subcontractors, provide a safe working environment for their workers. In a high-risk occupation like welding, it is imperative that the proper training, safety measures, and protective equipment be provided to employees on the job.

What are the Types of Welding Injuries?

Construction workers face serious injury and death from welding injuries. Welding accidents can cause various injuries, including:

• Electric Shock Injuries
• Hearing Loss
• Lung Damage and Respiratory Illness
• Chemical and Electrical Burns
• Brain Damage
• Nerve Damage
• Eye Injuries
• Welder’s Parkinson’s Disease
• Deep Cuts and Lacerations
• Crushed Extremities

What are the Most Common Types of Welding Accident Causes?

Welding accidents can be caused by numerous factors and conditions. Usually welding accidents are the result of failed safety devices, precautions and procedures. The causes include:

• Falls
• Electrical Shock
• Lack of Employer Provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• Toxic Exposure from Fumes
• Welder’s Flash
• Loud Noises
• High Temperatures
• Lack of Proper Safety Training

New York Labor Law Applies to Many Welding Accidents

New York Labor Law provides strict regulations for construction sites. The failure of a construction company to provide a safe working environment can lead to claims beyond employer based Worker’s Compensation Claims. Only attorneys experienced in construction accident litigation and familiar with New York’s Labor Laws can provide guidance. For instance, welders hurt falling from a scaffold or ladder, or hit by a falling object, can obtain relief under New York Labor Law Section 240, otherwise known as the New York “Scaffold Law,” which protects construction workers from falling objects or falls from an elevation which can be as little as six inches off the ground. The Labor Law is liberally construed in favor of the worker.

Contact a New York Welding Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

Welding accidents can cause serious injuries resulting in lost wages, missed work, costly medical bills, and significant pain and suffering. Welding accident litigation can be very complex. Merely establishing liability for your welding injuries on a construction site can be difficult. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a welding accident in New York, it is important that you speak with an experienced welding accident attorney.

The personal injury construction accident attorneys of Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. have fought construction and insurance companies for over fifty (50) years. To discuss your case in detail, contact us for a free consultation, and be sure to check out our testimonials from our past clients. We represent construction workers hurt on construction sites throughout New York City and Long Island. We regularly represent clients in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Please feel free to reach out to us at (212) 847-5007 in New York, or (718) 954-9986 on Long Island.