Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Welders
However, welding can be dangerous. While performing work tasks, welders may be exposed to many hazardous situations. It has been noted by occupational safety organizations that engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and certain work practices can significantly reduce the risk of injury for construction workers. Still, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports thousands of New York construction site injuries and illnesses each year.
If you have been in a welding accident, you have legal rights to pursue compensation. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by this task. At Hill & Moin, the attorney-client relationship is of the utmost importance to us; you can rely on us as you would rely on a trusted family member. Some of our clients have remarked that members of our team are like “the lawyer in the family,” and among our many satisfied clients are construction workers who have been the victims of welding accidents in New York.
Welding injuries are scary enough without the burden of the high medical bills that will inevitably accompany them. The good news, though, is that Hill & Moin know the workers’ compensation system, and we are ready to share our expertise with the local community. Reach out to us online to secure your benefits if you have been injured in a welding accident.
What to Do When You Are Hurt in a Welding Accident
If you are injured on the job, you will need to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Our caring worker’s compensation lawyers can guide you through the process to make sure you receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Beyond that, you may be entitled to additional damages for your personal injury, pain, and suffering. What types of welding accidents qualify for workers’ compensation? We will share some common examples below. You can also contact us today at 646.762.1234 to discuss the specific details of your injury case in a free case evaluation with an experienced Hill & Moin lawyer.
Occupational hearing loss
According to one New York City bridge welder, one of the most shocking aspects of her job is “how truly loud it is.” Hearing loss is a real danger if workers are exposed to loud and repetitive noises in the workplace.
You will need to report your claim for hearing damage within 3 months of the date when you stopped working in the noisy welding environment. You can find the appropriate forms on the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) website or at your nearest WCB office.
Slipping, tripping, and falling
The same article about the construction worker mentioned above reveals why stumbling is so hazardous for welders working on bridges. “Sometimes, the crew is so focused on their work that they forget that they are even on a bridge. But the intense focus is necessary. Some days are wetter than others, and workers can slip and fall. On windy days, it can be hard to stand up straight.”
Falling from heights can easily result in broken bones, the worst of which are spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries are slow to heal and may require long-term treatment. Workers’ compensation insurance will provide cash benefits even if your welding accident was due to carelessness or distraction.
What if you tripped over an obstacle? Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. So, if a workplace hazard caused your injury, by law you may have grounds for a personal injury or premises liability lawsuit.
Eye injuries
As metalworkers well know, exposure to bright light and heat can be extremely damaging to your eyes.
Have you experienced any of the following occupational vision problems?
- Arc eye (also called welder’s flash or flash burn) – Inflammation of the cornea resulting from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the electric arc
- Conjunctival degenerative disorders – The thickening, thinning, or damage of the conjunctiva caused by UV radiation or foreign particles (e.g., dust, metal shards) entering the eye
- Pigmentary macular deposits – The deterioration of the retina resulting in poor vision, especially at night
- Cataracts – The development of cloudiness in the opaque lens of the eye which contributes to blurry or double vision, faded colors, halos, and trouble adjusting to bright lights and darkness
- Blindness – The partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Eye irritation – From toxic fumes, evidenced by burst blood vessels or runny eyes
If your eye injuries are permanent, you may be able to get disability payments. Eye conditions aren’t the only potential outcome of UV exposure.
UV exposure
UV light is a type of radiation that can harm the cells of your body.
With prolonged exposure to UV radiation, you may experience the following detrimental effects:
- UV burns – Severe skin tissue damage that causes the death of skin cells
- Cutaneous erythema – Redness that occurs as a symptom of a skin injury or inflammation
- Ocular melanoma – Eye or conjunctiva cancer
- Squamous or basal cell carcinoma – Skin cancers that develop in UV-damaged areas of skin
UV radiation is a known risk factor regarding the development of certain cancers and skin damage. Welding protective equipment, such as face shields, gloves, and boots, offers a measure of protection from UV exposure, sparks, and heat. But what about electric shock?
Electric shocks
Among the thousands of accidents reported each year by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a large portion of them is electrical injuries. Of 325 contract worker electrocutions examined in one research study, 77 percent worked in construction.
Electrocution is a real danger in the welding industry. Low currents can cause spasms, burns, and muscle paralysis. If the current is strong enough or flows for a long enough time in the body, it can even cause wrongful death.
Without a doubt, welding has its share of risks and hazards. If you have any type of welding injury, it is important to know your legal rights to compensation and damages.
How a Hill & Moin Lawyer Can Help Welders
Over the years, our law firm has represented welders and other construction workers who have suffered injuries at work. Consider these recent settlements:
- $1.6 million settlement for a worker who fell from a scaffold on a construction worksite
- $900,000 settlement for a construction worker struck by a falling object
- $850,000 settlement for a welder injured on a construction site
No welder wants to get hurt. Workers’ compensation insurance can take some of the pressure off regarding your medical expenses but only if you meet all of the requirements to receive your benefits.
If you try to navigate the complicated legal process without getting professional advice, you could easily miss out on the compensation that you deserve. You need a professional welding accident lawyer who can use current labor law to advance your injury claim.
Don’t wonder about your rights! A professional Hill & Moin personal injury attorney can help you take the first step to financial recovery after your welding accident. Call 646.762.1234 for a free consultation with a lawyer at our law firm or leave us a message today.
