Experienced Welding Accident Lawyers in New York

Are you or a loved one suffering from injuries sustained in a welding accident? At the Porter Law Group, our specialized New York welding accident lawyers have decades of experience helping injured welders receive the compensation they deserve. With construction sites throughout New York State presenting numerous welding hazards, our team understands the complex legal challenges victims face following these devastating incidents.

Welding Accidents in New York Construction: Understanding the Risks

Welding is an essential trade across construction projects in New York—from high-rises in Manhattan to industrial projects in Buffalo and infrastructure upgrades in Albany. But it’s also one of the most hazardous jobs in the construction industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding-related incidents account for approximately 5% of all construction injuries in New York, with over 500 serious injuries reported each year.

When employers, contractors, or site managers fail to follow welding safety standards, workers can suffer life-altering injuries or wrongful death.

OSHA Regulations and Welding Safety in New York

New York State maintains some of the strictest construction safety regulations in the country, particularly through New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241. These laws, combined with OSHA regulations, require employers to:

• Provide proper ventilation in welding areas to reduce toxic fume inhalation
• Supply personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and welding helmets
• Ensure all welding personnel receive certified training
• Inspect and maintain welding equipment regularly
• Implement fire prevention protocols for welding operations

When construction companies, contractors, or equipment manufacturers fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable for resulting injuries and damages.

Common Welding Injuries in Construction Sites

Welders face unique risks that can lead to severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our New York construction accident attorneys regularly represent clients suffering from:

Burns and Thermal Injuries

• First, second, and third-degree burns from molten metal contact
• Flash burns to exposed skin
• Thermal burns through protective clothing failures

Eye Injuries from Welding

• Arc eye (photokeratitis) from UV radiation exposure
• Corneal abrasions and foreign body penetration
• Permanent vision impairment or blindness
• Retinal damage from inadequate eye protection

Respiratory Damage

• Metal fume fever from zinc oxide inhalation
• Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• Pneumosiderosis ("welder's lung") from iron oxide exposure
• Increased risk of lung cancer from chromium and nickel compounds

Neurological Conditions

• Manganese poisoning leading to Parkinson's-like symptoms
• Peripheral neuropathy from toxic exposure
• Cognitive impairment from prolonged fume inhalation

Catastrophic Injuries

• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Severe electrical burns and internal damage
• Permanent disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or explosions
• Wrongful death

Recovering Compensation for Welding Accident Victims in New York

If you've suffered injuries in a welding accident on a construction site or industrial job, New York law may entitle you to significant compensation beyond standard workers’ comp benefits. At the Porter Law Group, our seasoned welding injury attorneys will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your accident to identify all potential avenues for financial recovery.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Welders

Workers’ compensation is typically the first line of financial protection after a welding accident. These benefits may include:

• Medical treatments and rehabilitation costs
• Partial wage replacement for time off work
• Disability benefits for permanent or temporary impairments
• Vocational retraining if you cannot return to your previous trade

However, our New York construction accident lawyers often find that workers’ compensation benefits fall far short of meeting the long-term needs of seriously injured welders. That’s why we pursue every available legal remedy to maximize your compensation.

Third-Party Liability Claims for Welding Injuries

Unlike workers' compensation claims, third-party claims allow you to recover full damages, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. At Porter Law Group, we regularly identify third-party liability in welding injury cases involving:

• Equipment manufacturers of defective welding machines
• Suppliers of unsafe or non-compliant safety gear or protective equipment
• Subcontractors responsible for workspace safety
• Property owners who violate New York Labor Law
• Maintenance companies that improperly serviced equipment

Our attorneys work with welding safety experts, engineers, and safety specialists to identify all negligent parties and build compelling cases for maximum compensation.

Schedule Loss of Use Awards for Welding Injury Victims

For welders who suffer permanent impairment to specific body parts, Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) awards provide additional compensation beyond standard workers' compensation benefits.

To qualify for an SLU award after a welding accident, you must:

• Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
• Have a physician document permanent impairment
• Demonstrate loss of function to a qualifying body part

SLU awards are particularly relevant for welding injuries involving:

• Hand and finger damage from burns or crushing
• Eye injuries resulting in vision impairment
• Hearing loss from welding equipment noise exposure
• Limb function limitations due to nerve damage
• Facial disfigurement from severe burns

Grave Injury Claims Against Employers

While New York workers' compensation laws typically prevent employees from suing employers directly, exceptions exist for "grave injuries" as defined in Section 11 of New York Workers' Compensation Law. These include:

• Permanent total disability
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Complete or partial amputation of limbs
• Severe brain injuries
• Blindness or deafness
• Severe facial disfigurement

Our experienced construction accident attorneys can determine if your welding injury qualifies under this narrow exception and help you pursue additional compensation when appropriate.

Hurt in a Construction Accident in New York?

Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation and explore your options for compensation.

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Why Choose the Porter Law Group for Your Welding Accident Case

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to choose the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that delivers superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in New York, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.     

Frequently Asked Questions About Welding Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a welding injury claim in New York?

For workers' compensation claims, you must notify your employer within 30 days and file a claim within two years. For third-party liability claims, New York's statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of injury. However, certain cases (such as those involving government entities) may have shorter deadlines. Prompt consultation with a welding accident attorney is essential to protect your rights.

Can I sue my employer for my welding accident?

In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent you from suing your direct employer. However, if your injury meets the definition of a "grave injury" under New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 11 or was caused by an intentional act, you may have grounds to pursue a direct claim. Our attorneys will evaluate your case to determine whether any legal exceptions apply.

What compensation can I recover for a welding injury in New York?

Potential compensation includes medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability benefits, rehabilitation costs, and in some cases, punitive damages against grossly negligent parties.

How much does it cost to hire a welding accident lawyer?

Porter Law Group handles welding injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.

Contact Our New York Welding Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a welding accident on a construction site in New York, don't wait to seek legal help. The experienced construction accident lawyers at the Porter Law Group are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the full compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation. We serve clients throughout New York State, including NYC, Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, and Long Island.

*Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.