Welding Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh

Facing Uncertainty After a Welding Accident? We’re Here to Help.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while welding at work in Pittsburgh, you are likely facing some of the toughest days of your life. After a welding accident, many people are overwhelmed by worry about paying bills, supporting their family, and recovering from painful injuries. You may also deal with sudden medical expenses and uncertainty about the path forward, especially if employers or insurance companies pressure you or challenge your claim.

At Friday & Cox LLC, we recognize the physical, financial, and emotional impact a welding accident can bring. Our team lives and works in Pittsburgh, and we know the workplaces, industries, and courts involved in these cases. Our goal is always to help you regain control and peace of mind. We stand by your side, whether you are facing pushback from your employer or need someone to pursue the benefits you deserve.

Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to each case. With 24/7 availability and a reputation for compassionate support, we strive to provide skilled guidance and personalized care when you need it most.

Call (412) 900-8250 or contact us online today to request a free case review.

What is Welding?

Welding is a fabrication process that involves joining two or more pieces of metal using heat, pressure, or a combination of both. Welders often work in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive industries. Common welding methods include:

• Arc Welding: Uses an electric arc to melt metals at the joint.
• Gas Welding: Uses a flame fueled by gas to fuse metals.
• MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): Uses a continuous wire feed and shielding gas.
• TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): Uses a tungsten electrode and inert gas to create precise welds.

While welding is essential to many industries, it also poses serious risks to workers due to extreme heat, electrical currents, and hazardous fumes.

Common Types of Welding Accidents

Welding accidents can happen in many ways, and each type of accident can lead to serious injury or death. Common types of welding accidents include:

• Burns: Contact with hot metal, sparks, or molten materials can cause first-, second-, or third-degree burns.
• Explosions: Gas leaks, combustible materials, or improper storage of flammable substances can trigger explosions.
• Electric Shock: Faulty equipment or improper handling of electrical welding tools can result in shocks or electrocution.
• Falls: Welders working at heights can fall due to slippery surfaces or lack of proper safety equipment.
• Eye Injuries: Exposure to intense light or flying metal fragments can cause permanent eye damage, including “welder’s flash.”
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of toxic fumes and gases like carbon monoxide, manganese, or hexavalent chromium can lead to lung damage.

Common Causes of Welding Accidents

Understanding what causes welding accidents can help prevent them. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Lack of Proper Training: Inexperienced welders may mishandle equipment or fail to follow safety procedures.
• Faulty Equipment: Defective welding machines, frayed cables, or broken protective gear increase the risk of accidents.
• Unsafe Work Environments: Poor lighting, cluttered work areas, and flammable materials nearby can contribute to injuries.
• Failure to Use Protective Gear: Welding helmets, gloves, fire-resistant clothing, and respirators are essential.
• Human Error: Fatigue, distraction, or neglecting safety protocols can result in accidents.
• Inadequate Supervision: Employers who fail to enforce safety standards increase the likelihood of accidents.

Common Welding Accident Injuries

Welding accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have lifelong consequences. Common injuries include:

• Severe Burns: Often requiring hospitalization, skin grafts, and long recovery periods.
• Eye Damage: Includes welder’s flash, corneal burns, and even permanent vision loss.
• Respiratory Disorders: Chronic lung diseases or chemical poisoning from toxic fumes.
• Electrical Injuries: Burns, cardiac arrest, or neurological damage caused by electric shocks.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Often from falls or being struck by heavy materials.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Physical and emotional trauma resulting from visible injuries.