Minnesota Workplace Welding Injury Could Lead to Civil Claims

July 20, 2012

On May 24, 2012, a Minnesota welder suffered burns and possible fractures as a result of an injury at work. The St. Paul Fire Department received a call at 9:20 a.m. reporting an explosion with injuries at a commercial roofing and sheet metal business.

The injured worker had been welding while on a tank of roofing tar, and the vapors from the tar ignited. Witnesses reported an explosion with a "flash of fire," which knocked the victim off the tank and caused him to fall ten feet to the floor. Emergency responders took the worker to the hospital, where doctors treated his injuries.

This accident is an illustration of the dangers of welding. Workers should know the types of injuries that can result from welding accidents and the possible compensation they can receive if injured on the job.

Welding Accident Injuries

Because welders work with hot metal and dangerous chemicals, they run the risk of serious injuries every time they work -- even if they take safety precautions. Some of the typical injuries that welders suffer include:
-Severe burns
-Shrapnel wounds from flying metal pieces
-Eye injuries from optical radiation, such as Arc Eye
-Poisoning and illnesses associated with inhaling toxic fumes


Compensation for Injuries

Minnesota employers have a duty to help workers who are injured on the job. Depending on the severity of the injury, an injured employee may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits in the form of partial or total disability payments for the time he or she misses work, compensation if the disability is permanent, reimbursement for medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation if the employee cannot return to his or her former job because of the injury.

If an on-the-job accident that caused injury is the fault of a third party, and not the employer or the inherent dangers of the job, the injured worker may also pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent third party in addition to workers' compensation benefits.

Talk to a Lawyer

Workers' compensation laws are complex and can be confusing to those who try to navigate the system alone -- particularly those trying to recover from an injury. If you have been hurt in a work accident, consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney who can help ensure you receive just and proper compensation.

Article provided by Erickson Bell Beckman & Quinn PA
Visit us at http://www.ebbqlaw.com/