New York Welding Accident Lawyers
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries for workers in terms of workplace injury and fatality. Construction workers are regularly exposed to extreme hazards, including dangerous machinery, heights, falling objects, as well as exposure to chemicals and high temperatures. Welding is a particularly dangerous task, even though it is highly-regulated for safety. Even experienced professional welders are at significant risk for welding accidents, and injured workers have the right to recover for their injuries.
If you are a private or professional welder and you have been hurt in a welding accident in New York, the Goshen welding accident attorneys at Dupée & Monroe can help you find compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our dedicated and professional New York construction accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights, your recovery, and your family.
Common Welding Injuries
Welding torches, tanks, and other welding equipment are dangerous devices at the best of times. If the machine is defective, in disrepair, or is used improperly, the potential for catastrophic injury is even more severe. Welding accidents can result from defective torches, masks, tanks, or gloves; user error; improper maintenance; and other contributing factors.
Some of the welding injuries that commonly result from welding accidents at work include the following:
- Severe burns to the dermis, the lungs, or other organs
- Eye damage, such as retinal tears or burns
- Electrocution
- Loss of fingers, hands, or limbs
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Exposure to toxic fumes and gases
Whatever the nature of your injury, you have the right to recover after your welding accident. The welding accident lawyers at Dupée & Monroe help injured welders recover compensation after accidents resulting from any number of causes. A serious welding accident could involve lead hospital visits, ongoing medical treatments, skin grafts, organ replacement, vocational rehabilitation and, in the most extreme cases, even death.
Arc Eye Radiation Injury
One of the most common injuries suffered by welders is known as “arc eye.” Also known as “welder’s flash,” the condition results from inflammation of the cornea due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by a welding arc. The symptoms of arc eye may not appear immediately, and many people are not aware they are suffering from welder radiation until hours after exposure. If you experience any of the symptoms of arc eye even hours after finishing your welding activity, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and symptoms of arc eye include the following:
- Red and puffy eyes
- Eye pain
- Uncontrollable tearing
- Gritty feeling in the eyes, similar to getting sand in the eyes
- Abnormal light sensitivity
Arc eye can be treated if diagnosed promptly. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to more permanent damage.
Symptoms of Toxic Fume Exposure
In addition to more immediate accidents such as burns or loss of limb, welding involves exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these fumes can have both temporary and permanent effects on the body. Be wary of long-duration welds, and watch out for symptoms of toxic exposure, such as:
- Lightheadedness
- Impaired speech
- Psychological issues
- Involuntary shaking and tremors
- Loss of balance, coordination, or other essential motor skills
If you believe prolonged exposure to welding fumes and gases has affected your mind and body, see a doctor as soon as you can. Reach out to a seasoned New York welding accident attorney to learn about your legal rights for recovering damages, including workers’ compensation, medical treatments, and other damages.
Seasoned New York Construction Accident Attorneys Working for You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a welding accident in Orange County, find out if you should file a claim for damages by contacting the talented and effective Goshen welding accident lawyers Dupée & Monroe at 845-294-8900.
