Baton Rouge 

Welding Accident Lawyers

Welding is one of the most dangerous occupations, but it's also very common in Louisiana, particularly in Baton Rouge where manufacturing, industrial construction, and petrochemical facilities are major employers. When something goes wrong during a welding job, the consequences can be catastrophic. Burn injuries, toxic exposure, eye damage, explosions, and even fatal accidents are far too common. If you've been injured in a welding accident, you deserve answers, accountability, and the chance to recover.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our award-winning legal team has decades of experience representing injured workers across Louisiana. We know how welding accidents happen, who may be responsible, and what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve. With over $1 billion recovered for our clients—including a record-setting $117 million verdict—we have the resources, skill, and determination to take on even the biggest companies and insurers.

For a free consultation with one of our Baton Rouge welding accident attorneys, call (225) 209-9943 today.

Types of Welding Accidents

From accidental contact with neutral flames to defective welding masks and other protective gear, there are many different types of welding accidents that can occur. But one thing these incidents have in common is the potential to cause serious, life-changing injuries. 

Some of the most common types of welding accidents in Baton Rouge include: 

• Burn Injuries: Welders are constantly exposed to extreme heat and flammable materials. Thermal, electrical, and chemical burns are all common.
• Flash Burns and Eye Injuries: The intense light from welding arcs can cause "welder's flash," a painful condition that damages the eyes.
• Fume and Gas Exposure: Welding releases hazardous fumes that can cause long-term lung damage, neurological issues, and other chronic conditions.
• Electrical Shock: Improperly grounded equipment or damaged electrical wires can result in electrical shock or electrocution.
• Explosions and Fires: Welding in flammable environments or near combustible gases can trigger deadly explosions.
• Falls and Crush Injuries: Welders often work at heights or in confined spaces, increasing the risk of falls and crush injuries from collapsing structures or dropped equipment.

Common Causes of Welding Accidents

Welding accidents aren’t random. They happen because someone—such as a supervisor or site manager—failed to take proper precautions. 

Some of the most common causes of welding injuries in Baton Rouge include:

• Inadequate Training: Employers have a duty to ensure all welders are properly trained in safety procedures and equipment use.
• Faulty or Poorly Maintained Equipment: Defective welding tools or protective equipment can cause fires, explosions, burns, or shocks.
• Lack of Protective Gear (PPE): Welders need face shields, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection; failure to provide PPE is negligence.
• Unsafe Work Environments: Cluttered, poorly ventilated, or improperly secured work areas significantly increase the risk of welding accidents.
• Negligent Supervision or Oversight: Employers are responsible for enforcing safety rules and monitoring potentially hazardous conditions.
• Regulatory Violations: Failure to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or state safety standards can lead to serious and preventable injuries.

In Louisiana, employers must follow both federal OSHA regulations and Louisiana workplace safety standards set by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. These rules are designed to protect workers, and any violation could be evidence of negligence.

Who Is Liable for Welding Accidents?

Determining liability in a welding accident depends on the circumstances of the incident, including how it occurred and whether any additional factors led to the victim's injuries. 

Several parties could be responsible for a welding accident, including:

• An Employer: If an employer failed to provide a safe working environment, proper training, or safety gear, they may be liable for injuries arising from a welding accident. 
• A Manufacturer: If defective machinery or tools caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable in a product liability claim.
• A Contractor or Another Third Party: On construction sites, other companies or contractors may be responsible for unsafe working conditions or safety violations.
• The Property Owner: If a welding accident occurs on unsafe premises, the property owner may be partially or entirely liable for any resulting injuries and damages.

Workers’ compensation may cover some costs, but it often falls short of what injured workers actually need. In many cases, filing a third-party personal injury claim is the only way to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain and suffering.

Baton Rouge Welding Accident FAQ

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Welding Accident?

While it's not legally required, hiring a lawyer makes a huge difference in the potential outcome of your case. Welding accident cases often involve complex liability issues and aggressive insurance companies with large defense teams whose sole job is to limit payouts. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Can I Sue My Employer for a Welding-Related Injury? 

Usually, workers’ compensation laws prevent lawsuits against employers. In other words, if you are eligible for workers' compensation, you likely cannot file a lawsuit against your employer. However, you may have a claim if a third party (like a contractor or equipment maker) was also involved.

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. Under this system, you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible, though your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault. For example, if you were seriously injured in a welding accident in Baton Rouge and are seeking $100,000 in damages, but you are found to have been 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 30%. This means you would only be awarded 70% of the total amount you are seeking in damages, or $70,000.

How Long Do I Have to File a Welding Accident Lawsuit in Baton Rouge?

In Louisiana, including in Baton Rouge, most personal injury claims must be filed either within two years, if the date of the accident was on or after July 1, 2024, or within one year, if the incident occurred before this date. Certain special circumstances can affect the statute of limitations, so it's important to contact an experienced welding accident lawyer in Baton Rouge as soon as possible to discuss your case. 

How Clayton, Frugé & Ward Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Baton Rouge welding accident, Clayton, Frugé & Ward is ready to fight for you. We provide compassionate client counsel and aggressive legal representation to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and supported. With a history of groundbreaking results and a passion for justice, we go beyond seeking compensation—we hold negligent parties accountable and help make workplaces safer for everyone. 

After a welding accident, you deserve answers. You deserve justice. And we're here to help you get both.

Contact Clayton, Frugé & Ward today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation with one of our Baton Rouge welding accident lawyers.