Los Angeles Brazing and Welding Accident Attorney

Close up of unrecognizable manual worker assisting his colleague with physical injury in a warehouse, welding accident

Brazing and welding are integral functions of most construction sites in California. Because welding is inherently dangerous, however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has established welding safety regulations. When those regulations are not followed, serious accidents can happen, causing traumatic injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a welding accident, contact J&Y Law. 

We know how to hold negligent parties accountable for construction injuries. Our experienced brazing and welding accident attorneys will provide you with powerful representation. While you may be entitled to benefits under California’s worker’s compensation program, these benefits do not cover pain and suffering and other intangible losses you may have suffered. 

That’s where J&Y Law comes in. Our legal team will determine what caused your welding injury and help you recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Whether your injury was caused by an OSHA violation or third-party negligence, we will work tirelessly to help you recover damages for all your losses. 

At J&Y, we handle all brazing and welding accident claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing to us until we win compensation for you. The sooner you contact us for a free consultation, the sooner we can get started on your case.

What is brazing and welding? 

Welding is a technique that involves joining metals by melting the base metal and causing fusion. Brazing is slightly different in that it joins metals by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint. In short, brazing and welding are necessary to form, fix or join a wide range of  substances, including:

  • Steel
  • Stainless steels
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Cast iron
  • Plastic

Welders throughout California use complicated welding tools and equipment to join materials at a high temperature, particularly during the construction of high-rise buildings. While these tools are highly advanced and efficient, improper use or defective equipment can result in catastrophic injuries.

Not only has OSHA established substantial safety regulations, welders must train for years to hone their craft. In addition, employers must implement those regulations and make sure that welders are properly trained; accidents involving the equipment, heat and materials necessary to weld can result in sudden, traumatic injuries and long-term medical conditions.  

What Makes Brazing and Welding So Dangerous?

According to OSHA, brazing is one of the most hazardous workplace activities. Welding, brazing, soldering and cutting pose physical and chemical hazards; many welding techniques require extreme heat, which can cause burns and electric shock.

The welding process also exposes workers to harmful gases, poisonous fumes and intense ultraviolet radiation. Health hazards from such exposure include heavy metal poisoning, lung cancer, metal fume fever, flash burns — worker’s eyes and skin can be harmed by the toxic gases. Ultimately, the long-term exposure to dangerous light or inhalation of poisonous gases can be fatal: OSHA statistics show that 1 in 250 construction workers will die from a welding injury. 

Common Causes of Brazing and Welding Accidents in California

The most common reasons for brazing and welding injuries at construction sites include:

  • Improper training
  • Use of welding torches/equipment in enclosed spaces
  • Lack of protective equipment
  • Improper supervision
  • Welding equipment defects

Regardless of the reasons, welding accidents can have serious consequences, causing severe burns, amputations, fractures, eye injuries and wrongful death. When precautions are not implemented, negligent parties must be held accountable for the harm they cause. 

At J&Y Law, our brazing and welding accident attorneys have decades of experience fighting for injured construction workers. You can rest assured that we will work hard to win you just compensation. 

These Accidents Are Preventable

Because of the inherent dangers of brazing and welding, OSHA has established a wide range of safety precautions, including:

  • Only authorized, trained workers are permitted to use welding, brazing, soldering, or cutting tools and equipment.
  • Welders must work in safely ventilated areas to avoid exposure to poisonous gases and particulates created by welding materials at extremely high temperatures.
  • Proper safety equipment must be made available and used at all times (e.g safety goggles, shoes, full face shields, and heat-resistant gloves).
  • Fire extinguishers must be nearby. Many welding components, such as electrode stubs and compressed gas cylinders, can cause explosions.

When these precautions are not followed, workers can suffer catastrophic injuries. When brazing and welding accidents are caused by safety violations, improper use, or equipment defects, injured workers may have a valid third-party claim against site owners, contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers and distributors. 

Given the challenges of proving negligence in a brazing and welding accident, it is crucial to work with an experienced construction accident attorney. At J&Y, we have the skills and resources to help you win the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Contact our Experienced California Brazing and Welding Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a brazing and welding accident, you probably have concerns about recovering from your injuries, paying the medical expenses, and lost income. The experienced construction accident attorneys at J&Y will help to address those concerns by providing you with informed representation and dependable service. We have a proven history of achieving favorable settlements and winning significant jury verdicts, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.