Welding Accidents

San Francisco Welding Accident Attorney

Serious Help For Life-Changing Welding Injuries

A welding accident can change everything in a matter of seconds. One moment you are working, and the next you may be facing severe burns, vision problems, electrical injuries, or breathing issues from smoke and fumes. If this happened in San Francisco or the surrounding Bay Area, you may be wondering how you will heal, work, and support your family.

At Peterson Injury Law, we focus our practice on serious, medically complex injury cases where the stakes are high. For more than 30 years, we have represented people with life-altering harm and have recovered over $200 million, including the largest medical malpractice recovery in California history. When you contact a welding accident attorney San Francisco through our firm, you reach a team that understands both the medicine and the litigation that shape these cases.

We limit the number of cases we take so we can fully investigate what happened, work with the right medical and technical resources, and stay closely connected with every client. Our goal is to shoulder the legal and financial pressure so you can focus on healing and finding stability after a devastating work injury.

Contact our San Francisco welding accident lawyer by calling (415) 630-2913 today!

How We Help After A Welding Accident

After a welding accident, life often feels chaotic. You may be in a hospital burn unit or eye clinic, juggling appointments, paperwork, and calls from insurance adjusters or your employer. Income may have stopped overnight, while medical bills keep coming. Our firm is built for exactly these kinds of crises.

We focus on cases involving severe injuries and complex medical questions, and we keep our caseload intentionally low. That means we can take the time to understand how your injury affects every part of your life and what it will take to move forward. From the beginning, we learn about your work, your medical history, and your treatment plan so we can pursue compensation that reflects both immediate and long-term needs.

Our intake process is led by a Registered Nurse, which allows us to review medical records and injury details with clinical precision from the first conversation. We use that foundation to analyze what went wrong, whether safety rules were ignored, and whether defective equipment or protective gear played a role. When you work with a welding accident lawyer San Francisco from our firm, we handle communication with insurers and defendants, manage deadlines, and prepare your case while keeping you informed in clear, plain language.

Throughout the process, we outline likely stages such as investigation, discovery, negotiations, and potential trial. We are direct about risks and timelines so you do not have to guess what comes next. Our team responds to calls and messages promptly, and we make time for video or in-person meetings when you need to talk through decisions or simply understand where things stand.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

See More Wins

Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.

Welding Accident Risks & Common Injuries

Welding is inherently hazardous, especially on busy construction sites, shipyards, industrial plants, and infrastructure projects in and around San Francisco. When employers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers cut corners, the danger increases. Common contributors to welding accidents include missing or inadequate protective gear, poor training, lack of supervision, working in confined spaces, and failing to ventilate areas filled with gases and fumes.

Equipment issues can also cause serious harm. Faulty welding machines, damaged leads, poorly maintained gas cylinders, and unsafe tools expose workers to electrical shock, burns, explosions, and fires. In some cases, sparks ignite nearby materials because basic precautions were ignored. These failures often point to deeper problems with safety culture, management decisions, or defective products, not just one momentary mistake.

The injuries that follow are often catastrophic. Welders may suffer deep thermal burns that require skin grafts and multiple surgeries, eye injuries that threaten vision, nerve damage from electric shock, fractures from falls, or lung damage from inhaling toxic smoke and chemicals. These harms can lead to chronic pain, scarring, PTSD, and a permanent loss of earning capacity.

Our firm regularly handles cases involving complex medical conditions. We look beyond the emergency room visit to understand what you will need in the years ahead, such as continued surgeries, rehabilitation, counseling, adaptive equipment, and help with daily activities. We work to reflect these long-term consequences when we pursue compensation on your behalf.

Common welding-related injuries we often see include:

Burn injuries to the face, hands, arms, and body
Eye injuries and vision loss from arc flash or flying debris
Electrical shock and resulting neurologic problems
Respiratory injury from inhaling smoke, gases, or fumes
Orthopedic injuries from explosions, falls, or collapsing structures

Who May Be Liable For A Welding Accident

Many injured workers assume that workers’ compensation is the only path after a welding accident. In reality, there are often additional claims against third parties whose careless decisions contributed to the harm. Identifying every responsible party is important, because workers’ compensation benefits rarely cover the full cost of a life-changing injury.

On a typical job in San Francisco, multiple companies may be involved. A general contractor might control the site, several subcontractors may share the workspace, and separate companies may own or service the welding equipment. Property owners and developers can also influence safety practices, particularly regarding ventilation, fire protection, and safe access.

Manufacturers of welding machines, gas regulators, helmets, gloves, and other protective equipment may be responsible if a defect or failure made the injury worse. Maintenance or rental companies can share fault when they place dangerous or poorly maintained equipment back into service. In some situations, safety consultants or staffing agencies play a role in how welders are trained and supervised.

When we investigate a welding accident, we look at how California safety standards and Cal/OSHA regulations apply, including rules on hot work permits, confined spaces, and protective equipment. We review training records, work procedures, incident reports, and equipment history to understand whether companies met their obligations or exposed workers to unacceptable risks. Our firm has significant experience litigating against corporate defendants and institutions, and we bring that background to bear when assigning responsibility in these complex cases.

Potentially liable parties in a welding accident can include:

General contractors and subcontractors overseeing the work
Property owners or developers controlling the premises
Manufacturers of welding machines, tools, or safety gear
Equipment rental or maintenance companies
Outside safety consultants or staffing agencies involved with the job

Steps To Take After A Welding Accident

In the hours and days after a welding accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Taking a few deliberate steps can help protect both your health and any legal claims. These are general suggestions, and your safety and medical needs should always come first.

Seek emergency care immediately for burns, eye injuries, electrical shock, or breathing problems. Follow up with specialists, such as burn surgeons or ophthalmologists, even if symptoms seem to improve at first. Serious injuries often evolve over time, and thorough documentation of your condition can be important later.

As soon as you are able, report the accident to your supervisor or employer in writing and keep a copy. If possible, note the layout of the work area, the equipment you were using, and any safety concerns you noticed before the incident. Try to preserve damaged tools, personal protective equipment, or photographs of the scene, since these items may be valuable evidence.

It is wise to be careful about what you say to insurance adjusters or company representatives. You do not have to give detailed recorded statements before you understand your rights. A welding accident lawyer San Francisco can help you navigate these conversations and avoid choices that might limit your recovery.

Helpful steps after a welding accident include:

Get prompt emergency and follow-up medical care and keep all records
Report the accident in writing and request a copy of any incident report
Photograph the work area, equipment, and visible injuries if you can
Collect names and contact information for any witnesses
Avoid signing releases or making detailed statements without legal guidance
Contact a welding accident attorney San Francisco as soon as you feel ready

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Why Injured Welders Choose Our Firm

When a welding accident changes your life, you need a firm that is equipped for severe injury litigation, not a high-volume practice that treats your case like a file number. Our practice is intentionally designed for life-altering injuries and medical malpractice matters that involve complex medicine and significant damages.

We bring that same depth of advocacy to serious welding injuries. Because we limit the number of cases we accept, you can expect partner-level involvement, careful investigation, and thoughtful preparation at each stage. We break down complex medical and legal issues into clear terms, explain likely timelines, and stay responsive so you never feel left in the dark.

Cost should not stand between you and strong representation. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay upfront legal fees. Our goal is to pursue compensation that supports your medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term quality of life after a serious welding accident in San Francisco.

To talk about your situation with our team, call (415) 630-2913 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a case beyond workers’ comp for my welding accident?

You may have additional claims if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. Examples include unsafe equipment, poor site management, or defective protective gear. We review your medical records, job setting, and safety conditions to identify possible third-party responsibility.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

You do not pay us upfront. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, which means our fee is a percentage of the recovery if the case resolves successfully. If we do not obtain a recovery, you typically do not owe an attorney fee.

What kinds of welding injuries does your team handle?

We focus on severe, life-altering injuries. These often include significant burns, vision loss from eye injuries, electrical shock with lasting problems, respiratory damage from fumes or smoke, and serious fractures or nerve injuries. If your welding accident has profoundly affected your health or work, we are prepared to review it.

How long will a welding accident case take?

Timelines vary based on factors such as injury severity, number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer. We outline a realistic timeframe early and keep you updated as key milestones approach.

Why should I choose your firm for a serious welding injury?

Our firm combines more than 30 years of high-stakes litigation with over $200 million recovered for clients, including a record California result. We use an RN-led intake, maintain a low caseload, and communicate honestly about risks and timelines. Our focus is on cases where injuries have truly changed a client’s life.

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