Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Welding is one of the most hazardous trades on any job site. Workers may face burns, toxic fume exposure, eye injuries, and fire or explosion risks. Welders often work in confined spaces or at heights, which can increase the risk of serious injury.
If you were hurt on the job as a welder or were injured near welding work, our welding accident lawyers in Orangetown can help you understand what benefits may be available. Shulman & Hill represents tradespeople and construction workers throughout Orangetown and Rockland County who have been injured at work.
The party responsible for your injuries may not be your direct employer. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Orangetown investigate these cases to identify all potentially responsible parties. In some situations, you may be eligible to pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation.
How Welding Accidents Happen on Orangetown Job Sites
Welding injuries often stem from unsafe conditions rather than isolated incidents. Identifying the cause of the accident is an important part of evaluating your claim.
Conditions that commonly contribute to welding accidents include:
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor airflow can allow toxic fumes to build up in enclosed work areas.
- Insufficient protective equipment: Missing or inadequate face shields, gloves, or fire-resistant clothing can increase injury risk.
- Nearby flammable materials: Failure to clear combustible materials can lead to fires or explosions.
- Defective equipment: Faulty torches, regulators, or gas cylinders may malfunction during use.
- Lack of fire watch procedures: Absence of monitoring during and after welding can allow hazards to go unnoticed.
When safety failures contribute to an injury, responsibility may extend beyond the employer to contractors, site managers, or equipment providers. Contact an Orangetown personal injury lawyer today to discuss your claim.
Common Injuries in Welding Accidents
Welding injuries can range from immediate trauma to conditions that develop over time. Some injuries may not be fully apparent until days or weeks after exposure.
Common injuries include:
- Burn injuries: Contact with sparks, molten metal, or arc flash can cause serious burns.
- Eye injuries: Arc eye (photokeratitis) can result from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Respiratory conditions: Inhalation of fumes containing metals such as manganese or chromium may affect lung function.
- Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud equipment can impact hearing over time.
- Explosion-related trauma: Gas leaks or improper cylinder handling may lead to blast injuries.
- Carbon monoxide exposure: Poor ventilation may allow dangerous gases to accumulate.
Long-term exposure to welding fumes may also contribute to occupational illnesses that develop gradually.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Welding Injury
New York workers’ compensation covers injuries that arise during employment, including both sudden accidents and occupational illnesses that develop over time due to workplace exposure. If your welding injury is work-related, you may be eligible to file a claim for benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits may include:
- Medical treatment related to the injury: Coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing treatment tied to your condition
- Wage replacement benefits based on your average weekly wage: Partial income payments if your injury prevents you from working or limits your ability to perform your job duties
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits: Compensation based on the severity and duration of your injury, including awards for lasting impairment or reduced function
- Benefits for occupational diseases linked to workplace exposure: Coverage for conditions that develop over time, such as respiratory illness from fumes or neurological effects from toxic exposure
- Vocational rehabilitation, when applicable: Assistance with retraining or job placement if you are unable to return to your previous role
You do not need to prove fault to receive these benefits. Reporting the injury promptly, following your treatment plan, and maintaining consistent medical documentation can help support your claim and reduce disputes.
Our welding accident attorney in Orangetown can also evaluate whether a third-party claim may apply alongside your workers’ compensation case.
Third-Party Claims in Welding Accident Cases
Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits and does not include damages for pain and suffering or the full value of lost income. If a third party contributed to your injury, a separate personal injury claim may be available to recover additional compensation.
Third-party claims may arise when:
- A general contractor failed to maintain a safe work environment: Unsafe site conditions, lack of coordination, or failure to enforce safety protocols contributed to the incident
- A property owner did not address known hazards: Dangerous conditions, such as flammable materials or inadequate ventilation, were present and not corrected
- Defective equipment contributed to the injury: Faulty welding tools, gas cylinders, regulators, or safety equipment caused or worsened the accident
- A subcontractor or vendor created a hazardous condition: Another company on the job site introduced risks that led to your injury
Pursuing both claims together may allow for a broader recovery, depending on the circumstances. While workers’ compensation addresses medical care and wage loss, a third-party claim can include additional damages tied to the full impact of your injury.
About Shulman & Hill
Since 2013, Shulman & Hill has recovered over $1 billion for injured workers and accident victims. The firm has represented thousands of clients and brings over 200 years of combined legal experience.
We conduct investigations, gather records, and build claims based on available evidence. Our team represents construction workers, tradespeople, and laborers across New York.
Talk to an Orangetown Welding Accident Lawyer Today
Deadlines may apply to both workers’ compensation filings and potential third-party claims. Early action can help preserve evidence and clarify your legal options.
Contact Shulman & Hill to schedule a free consultation. We can review your situation, explain your rights under New York law, and help you determine the next steps.