Jacksonville Welding Accident Attorney

Let Our Firm Secure Your Compensation

Welding is one of the most dangerous occupations in the construction and manufacturing industries. While it plays a vital role in building and repairing infrastructure, the process exposes workers to serious risks if safety measures are not properly followed. If you or a loved one has been injured in a welding accident, you deserve the support of our Jacksonville welding accident lawyer, who understands how to fight for your rights and secure fair compensation. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we are dedicated to helping injured workers and their families recover physically, emotionally, and financially after devastating accidents.

Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

What is Welding?

Welding is the process of joining materials—most often metals—by applying heat, pressure, or both. It is an essential trade in construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and many other industries.

There are several common types of welding:

• Arc Welding: Uses an electrical arc to generate heat that melts and fuses metal parts.
• MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): Uses a continuous wire feed and shielding gas to weld quickly and efficiently.
• TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): Provides precision welds with a tungsten electrode.
• Spot Welding: Often used in manufacturing and automotive industries to weld sheet metal together.

Despite its importance, welding can be extremely hazardous when safety procedures are ignored or equipment malfunctions.

Common Types of Welding Accidents

Welding accidents can occur in many forms, each with potentially life-altering consequences. Some of the most common welding-related accidents in Jacksonville include:

• Burns: Severe thermal burns can occur from sparks, molten metal, or contact with hot equipment.
• Electrical Shock: Improper grounding or damaged cables can cause electrocution.
• Eye Injuries: Known as “welder’s flash” or arc eye, intense light exposure can cause corneal burns and long-term vision problems.
• Explosions and Fires: Welding near flammable materials can trigger catastrophic fires or explosions.
• Respiratory Injuries: Inhalation of toxic fumes and gases can lead to long-term lung damage or respiratory illnesses.
• Falls: Welders often work at heights, where slips and falls can lead to broken bones or spinal cord injuries.
• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud welding environments can cause permanent hearing damage.

Any of these accidents can leave a worker unable to return to their job, facing mounting medical bills and uncertainty about the future.

Common Causes of Welding Accidents

Many welding accidents are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lack of Proper Training: Workers who are not trained on safe welding techniques are at greater risk of injury.
• Defective Equipment: Faulty welding machines, cables, or protective gear can fail and cause severe harm.
• Inadequate Safety Gear: Employers are required to provide welders with protective helmets, gloves, and clothing. Failure to do so increases the risk of burns, shocks, and eye injuries.
• Poorly Maintained Worksites: Cluttered or unsafe environments increase the likelihood of trips, falls, and fire hazards.
• Improper Ventilation: Without adequate airflow, welders may inhale toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or hexavalent chromium.
• Negligence by Employers or Contractors: Cutting corners on safety measures can lead to dangerous accidents.

Determining the cause of a welding accident is critical when seeking compensation, as it helps identify who should be held legally responsible.

Recovering Compensation

If you were injured in a welding accident in Jacksonville, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you could have multiple legal options.

Workers’ Compensation

Most welding accidents occur on the job, meaning workers’ compensation benefits may apply. These benefits can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Partial wage replacement
• Vocational rehabilitation

However, workers’ compensation does not always cover the full cost of an injury, nor does it provide compensation for pain and suffering.

Third-Party Claims

In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party, such as:

• Equipment manufacturers for defective machinery
• Subcontractors or other negligent workers on a jobsite
• Property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions

A successful third-party claim can provide additional compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Claims

If a welding accident leads to a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.?

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we have extensive experience representing injured workers throughout Jacksonville, FL. Our team understands the complexities of welding accident cases, from workers’ compensation claims to third-party lawsuits. We thoroughly investigate every case, working with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and industry professionals to build strong claims on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today to get started on your claim.