Welding Accidents

Welding Accident Attorney Anderson

Turning Crisis Into Clarity After a Welding Injury

A serious welding injury can upend your life in an instant. From flash burns and eye injuries to explosions and toxic fume exposure, these cases require careful investigation and a strategy tailored to South Carolina law. At Smith & Griffith, LLP, we help injured welders and their families navigate workers’ compensation, third-party liability, and personal injury claims after an industrial accident in Anderson.

Our firm knows the local worksites across Anderson County, from fabrication shops and construction zones along the I-85 corridor to manufacturing facilities near downtown and the 29621 area. If you were hurt at work or on a jobsite as a contractor or visitor, our welding accident attorneys in Anderson are ready to evaluate your case and outline your options.

Call our Anderson office at (864) 477-7395 to speak with our welding accident attorney, or request a free case evaluation using our secure online form.

Anderson Welding Accidents We Handle

Welding accidents happen in many settings, including construction sites, shipyards, roadside projects, and manufacturing floors. We represent injured clients in cases involving:

• Flash burns and arc eye from inadequate face shields or failed PPE
• Explosions and fire injuries linked to gas leaks, hot work permits, or poor ventilation
• Electrical shock from faulty welding leads, grounding issues, or defective machines
• Inhalation injuries and chronic lung conditions from welding fumes and inadequate respiratory protection
• Crush injuries from falling steel, collapsed scaffolds, or hoisting failures
• Lacerations and amputations tied to grinders and cutting equipment
• Traumatic brain injuries from falls, falling objects, or blast events

Our team documents what happened, secures photographs and video, interviews witnesses, preserves jobsite records, and consults qualified professionals when needed to reconstruct the accident and identify all responsible parties.

Workers’ compensation and third-party claims

If you were injured while employed by a covered employer, you may have a workers’ compensation claim for medical care, a portion of lost wages, and disability benefits. In addition, you may have a third-party claim against another company or person who contributed to the welding accident. These may include general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment rental companies, or product manufacturers. We review contract chains, site safety plans, hot work procedures, and maintenance records to determine whether a personal injury claim can run alongside your workers’ compensation case.

Building Your Welding Injury Case

Every welding accident is different. Our approach focuses on evidence, causation, and the full measure of damages allowed by South Carolina law.

Investigation and evidence preservation

• Obtain incident reports, safety logs, and hot work permits
• Collect PPE usage records, training histories, and supervisor notes
• Preserve equipment for inspection, including welding machines, regulators, and leads
• Analyze scene photos for spatter patterns, charring, and ventilation layout
• Map employer and subcontractor relationships to allocate fault

Causation analysis

We examine how the injury occurred and why it was preventable. Common causation themes include defective equipment, missing guards, inadequate ventilation, improper storage of fuel cylinders, lack of fire watch, and unsafe sequencing of trades on congested job sites.

Valuing damages

Depending on your case, recoverable damages in a personal injury claim may include medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and scarring. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability ratings, and mileage. We also evaluate whether disfigurement benefits or vocational rehabilitation may be available.

Who Is Liable After a Welding Accident in Anderson

Liability often extends beyond the immediate employer. Potential defendants can include:

• General contractors and site supervisors who failed to enforce safety rules
• Subcontractors whose operations created hazardous conditions for welders
• Property owners who allowed dangerous premises conditions
• Equipment manufacturers or distributors for defective torches, helmets, or consumables
• Maintenance vendors for negligent repair or inspection

We analyze safety plans, subcontract agreements, and communication between trades to show how decisions on scheduling, shielding, and ventilation increased risk. Where appropriate, we pursue both workers’ compensation and third-party claims to maximize available recovery.

Common Welding Injuries We See

• Eye injuries, including photokeratitis and retinal damage
• Thermal burns and grafting injuries
• Electrical burns and cardiac complications
• Respiratory issues from metal fume fever and chronic exposure
• Orthopedic injuries from falls or crush incidents
• Hearing loss from blast and impact noise
• Psychological trauma and pain-related sleep disturbance

Early medical care and documentation are vital. We help coordinate with local providers in Anderson and ensure your records reflect the mechanism of injury, work restrictions, and long-term prognosis.

How South Carolina Law Applies

South Carolina law provides a path for injured workers through the workers’ compensation system, regardless of fault, if the employer is covered and the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. If a negligent third party contributed to the welding accident, you may also pursue a personal injury claim. In limited cases, a defective product can support a product liability action. Each pathway has different rules on damages, deadlines, and required proof. Our attorneys guide you on the correct filing sequence, how to avoid jeopardizing your benefits, and how settlements interact when multiple claims are involved.

What To Do After a Welding Accident

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
• Seek immediate medical care and follow the provider’s instructions.
• Preserve your PPE, clothing, and any equipment involved.
• Photograph the scene and your injuries if you can do so safely.
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before legal counsel.
• Call a welding accident lawyer in Anderson to protect your rights.

Our Process at Smith & Griffith, LLP

When you contact our firm, here is what to expect.

Free case evaluation

We start by learning how the incident happened and your current medical status. We discuss workers’ compensation, potential third-party claims, and timelines. If we accept your case, we move quickly to protect the evidence.

Investigation and claim filing

We send preservation letters, request records, and interview witnesses. For workers’ comp, we coordinate medical authorizations and track benefits. For third-party claims, we build negligence or product defect theories supported by evidence.

Settlement or litigation

We present a demand supported by medical and wage documentation. If the insurer will not negotiate fairly, we are prepared to file suit and pursue formal discovery. Throughout, you receive clear, timely updates.

Why Choose Smith & Griffith, LLP for Welding Injuries

• Local knowledge of Anderson worksites and contractors
• A focused process for high-risk industrial accidents
• Resources to investigate complex causation and multi-party liability
• Clear communication so you understand every step
• A commitment to pursuing the full value of your workers’ compensation and personal injury claim

We believe injured welders and their families deserve attentive service and strategic advocacy. See our Anderson client reviews to learn how we support people after serious injuries.

Compensation in Welding Accident Cases

The value of a case depends on the facts, medical outcome, and available insurance. We evaluate:

• Medical bills and future care, including surgeries, therapy, and respiratory treatment
• Wage loss and reduced earning capacity
• Permanent impairment ratings and disfigurement benefits
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life in personal injury claims
• Out-of-pocket costs and household services
• In wrongful death cases, funeral costs and related losses for the family

Timeline and Deadlines

Deadlines are critical. Workers’ compensation has strict reporting and filing requirements. Personal injury and product liability claims are governed by statutes of limitation. Missing a deadline can end your claim. Contacting an Anderson welding accident lawyer promptly helps protect your rights and preserves evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my employer says the welding accident was my fault?

Workers’ compensation can still cover you if the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. Fault by the employee is not the same as intentional misconduct. You should still report the injury and seek legal advice.

Can I bring a claim if an outside contractor caused the hazard?

Yes. You may have a personal injury claim against the contractor along with your workers’ compensation case. These are separate paths and can proceed at the same time.

What if the welding machine or helmet failed?

A defective product can support a claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Preserve the equipment and consumables so they can be inspected. Do not discard or repair anything until it is documented.

Do I have a case if I was an independent contractor?

Possibly. You may have a personal injury claim against the party that created the hazard or controlled the worksite. Some workers classified as contractors are actually employees under the law. We evaluate your status and options.

What benefits can workers’ compensation provide?

Covered benefits can include medical treatment, a portion of lost wages while you are out of work, mileage to appointments, and permanent disability benefits if you have a lasting impairment or scarring.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We offer free consultations. If we take your case, we work on a contingency fee. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation. Costs are discussed clearly in our agreement.

How long will my welding injury case take?

Timelines vary with medical recovery, disputed liability, and insurer responsiveness. We work to move your case forward and keep you updated at every stage.

Take action now to protect your rights in Anderson, SC

Evidence in welding accident cases can be lost quickly. A prompt investigation helps preserve your claim and benefits. Speak with a welding accident attorney at Smith & Griffith, LLP today to understand your options and next steps.

Schedule your free case evaluation now. Our team will contact you to confirm details and begin your claim review.