Welding Accident Attorney in San Antonio
Decades of Legal Experience for Injured San Antonio Welders
Welders face a number of possible injuries while working. Examples include thermal burns, arc eye, toxic fume inhalation, and equipment failures that can cause permanent injury in seconds. When one of those hazards causes harm, the path to compensation depends on who is responsible and how your employer structures its insurance.
KRW Lawyers evaluates every welding accident to determine whether a workers’ compensation claim, a direct negligence claim against a non-subscribing employer, or a third-party lawsuit against an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor may offer the strongest path to recovery.
Founded in San Antonio in 2006, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for over 40,000 clients across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond. We bring that same commitment to every injured welder who calls us.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a welding accident, contact our San Antonio welding accident attorneys at (210) 791-8878 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7.
The Injuries Welders Suffer on the Job
Welding is a demanding occupation that exposes workers to a range of serious hazards. Some injuries happen immediately while others develop over time.
Common injuries and health risks include:
- Eye injuries: Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the welding arc can cause arc eye, also known as welder’s flash. This painful condition can cause intense light sensitivity and, in some cases, temporary or lasting vision damage.
- Thermal burns: Sparks, spatter, and contact with superheated metal can cause serious burns. Severe burns may require extensive medical treatment or surgery.
- Welding-fume exposure: Welding fumes can contain hazardous substances such as manganese, hexavalent chromium, zinc, and other metals.
- Electric shock: Welders work with electrical equipment that can expose them to potentially serious or fatal electrical shocks, particularly when equipment is defective or used in wet or unsafe conditions.
- Fire and explosions: Welding sparks and heat can ignite flammable materials, gases, or vapors, creating a risk of fires and explosions.
- Asphyxiation in confined spaces: Shielding gases used during welding can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated or confined areas, creating a potentially fatal risk of oxygen deprivation.
Your Legal Options After a Welding Accident in Texas
Texas gives injured workers more than one path to compensation, and the right path depends on your employer’s insurance status and who caused the accident. We analyze every angle before recommending a course of action.
Possible options include:
- Workers’ compensation: If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you can generally file a claim for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages without proving fault. Workers’ compensation covers these costs regardless of who caused the accident, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering, and it typically prevents you from suing your employer directly for negligence.
- Non-subscriber employer claims: Texas is one of the few states that lets private employers opt out of workers’ compensation insurance. These employers are called non-subscribers. Under Texas Labor Code Section 406.033, a non-subscriber can’t use contributory negligence or assumption of the risk as a defense, meaning a worker can pursue a direct negligence lawsuit and may recover damages, including pain and suffering, depending on the facts.
- Third-party claims: Even if your employer carries workers’ compensation coverage, you may still have a claim against a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer that sold a defective welder, a subcontractor whose negligence created the hazard, or a property owner who failed to maintain a safe work site. These claims can be pursued alongside a workers’ compensation claim and may allow recovery beyond what workers’ compensation alone provides.
I was told I didn't have a case. Josh proved them wrong.
“I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with my attorney, Josh and his paralegal Janelle. They were communicative and moved quickly to get my settlement after my accident. I was told by another law firm that I did not have a case. Josh went above and beyond to help me. Janell stayed in touch with me throughout the process and answered any questions I have had. They are very familiar with workman’s comp as well. I would highly recommend them!”- Brittany E. (Google Review)
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backed by five-star reviews and over 20 years of experience
When your health and financial future are at stake, having confidence in your legal representation is essential
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Honesty & IntegrityWe believe in transparent communication, offering candid advice, and always putting your best interests at the forefront.
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Teamwork & CollaborationEvery case is a collective effort. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure the best strategy and outcome for you.
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Diversity & InclusionDiversity is our strength. We celebrate differences, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and represented.
Why San Antonio Welders Choose KRW Lawyers
Our firm is led by Douglas Ketterman, who has held Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization continuously since 1998. Fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys hold that certification. It means the person overseeing your case has met the state’s highest standard for trial competence in personal injury law.
We prepare every case for trial from day one. That approach changes how insurers and opposing counsel respond to our clients’ claims. You’ll work directly with attorneys who know your case, not case managers relaying messages. Members of our team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for their work on behalf of injured clients.
Frequently asked Questions
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Yes, you may still have a separate claim even if you receive workers’ compensation. Third-party cases can exist when companies other than your direct employer contributed to the crane incident. We can review your situation, explain the difference, and help you understand what additional rights you may have.
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We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney fees up front, and we only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. We explain our fee structure clearly before you decide how you want to move forward.
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The length of a case depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, number of companies involved, and how disputes are resolved. Some claims settle within months, while others require litigation that can take longer. We keep you informed and work to move your case forward efficiently.
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Bring any documents or information you have, such as incident reports, medical records, photos, names of witnesses, and any letters or emails from employers or insurers. If you do not have much yet, that is fine. We can help identify what is important to gather after our first conversation.
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Yes, we handle crane and other industrial incidents connected with oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin. Our firm has long represented workers in high risk jobs across Texas, and we understand the unique conditions and pressures on oilfield and construction sites in and around Odessa.
Accessible Representation, Focused on You
We’re available around the clock and maintain offices across Texas and Louisiana, so help is never out of reach. Our “Your Voice, Your Choice” approach means you stay informed and in control of your case at every stage. We provide honest guidance, answer your questions directly, and won’t push you toward a decision that doesn’t serve your interests.
There’s no fee to speak with a welding accident attorney at our firm, and we handle these claims on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call KRW Lawyers today at (210) 791-8878 to schedule your free consultation and find out how our San Antonio welding accident lawyer can help.
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