• About
    • Our Attorneys
    • Verdicts and Settlements
    • Community
      • Sponsorship Request
      • Partnerships
      • Project Backpack
    • Testimonials
    • Scholarships
      • Cancer Scholarship
    • Careers
    • Our Core Values
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accident
    • Truck Accident
    • Motorcycle Accident
    • Product Liability
    • Mesothelioma
    • Workers Compensation
    • Dog Bite
    • Slip and Fall
    • Wrongful Death
    • Maritime Injury
    • Pedestrian Accident
    • Dangerous Drugs
    • Defective Devices
    • Mass Torts
    • Premises Liability
    • View All Practice Areas
  • Areas we Serve
    • Lafayette
    • Alexandria
    • New Iberia
    • Marksville
    • New Orleans
    • Monroe
    • Arnaudville
    • Baton Rouge
    • Breaux Bridge
    • Broussard
    • Cankton
    • Carencro
    • Cecilia
    • Duson
    • Cade Coteau
    • Grand Coteau
    • Lake Charles
    • Opelousas
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Videos
    • For Referring Attorneys
  • Hurricanes
  • Contact Us
Available 24/7 • 365 Days (337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
(337) 777-7777 Hablamos Español
No Win - No Fee AVAILABLE 24/7

Dangers of Underwater Welding for Maritime Workers

Put 350 Years of Experience in Your Corner GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
An Award Winning
Team in Your Corner
Attorney David Laborde | Attorney Digger Earles
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Maritime Injury
  4. Dangers of Underwater Welding for Maritime Workers
On This Page
  1. What Are Some of the Dangers Associated With Underwater Welding?
  2. The Injuries an Underwater Maritime Worker Could Suffer
  3. How Can an Underwater Welder Avoid Suffering Injuries?
  4. What Can I Expect From an Underwater Welding Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?
  5. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for More Information
Contact Us Today

Get The Help
You Need

I NEED HELP NOW

Your personal injury lawyer can help you calculate your recoverable damages, which may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Income Loss
  • Property Damage
  • Pain & Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Lasting Disfigurement

Posted on: May 5, 2023

Dangers of Underwater Welding for Maritime Workers

As one can imagine, diving underwater and operating welding equipment poses many dangers, from drowning, attacks from marine life, and the bends. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent injuries and fatalities. Still, even the most experienced divers can suffer life-threatening injuries and even death. 

If you (or a loved one) are an underwater welder and suffered injuries on the job, a lawyer from our firm can recover damages. Through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could secure compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related losses. 

What Are Some of the Dangers Associated With Underwater Welding?

The latest information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that in a single six-year period, there were 460 non-fatal injuries and 49 fatalities involving commercial divers. It notes that the following hazards pose daily threats while on the job: 

Decompression (the “Bends”)

Harvard Health Publishing notes that decompression sickness can happen when a scuba diver travels to deep depths, then ascends too quickly. When you go underwater, your body takes in more oxygen and nitrogen. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen can’t leave your bloodstream fast enough, and you could experience excruciating joint pain. 

Factors that may elevate the risk of decompression sickness include: 

  • Being female 
  • Having poor cardiovascular health 
  • Obesity 
  • Heart defects 
  • Cold water 
  • Lung disease 
  • Fatigue 

Drowning

A welder’s equipment can malfunction, putting the welder at risk of drowning. For instance, air hoses may get tangled when multiple welders work on the same project. The tools a welder uses could prevent them from ascending before their oxygen tank runs out. 

Near-fatal drowning poses a daily threat to commercial divers. Healthline notes that depending on the incident’s severity, one could suffer brain damage, pneumonia, and respiratory distress. 

Hypothermia

Per Divers Alert Network (DAN), the average human body has a temperature of 98.6 degrees. When that temperature drops to 95 degrees, one can suffer hypothermia. This can even happen in tropical waters, like in the Gulf of Mexico, where many underwater welders in Louisiana work. 

Employers of underwater welders should provide specialized equipment that prevents heat loss and hypothermia. When they don’t (or these items don’t work), a diver could suffer organ damage and other complications. 

Electrocution

Water is a conductor of electricity. If a welder’s tools send off sparks or otherwise malfunction, a welder could get electrocuted. Combined with being underwater, this could lead to drowning. 

Animal Attacks

Scuba Diving Magazine notes that attacks by marine life are rare, but they do happen. It notes that many meat-eating fish are naturally curious and may bite someone as a way of “feeling them out.” These animals include sharks and barracuda. If a diver isn’t aware of their surroundings, they could also get stung by a jellyfish. 

CTA CTA

Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.

Client
Call Us Today We Are Here For You
(337) 777-7777

The Injuries an Underwater Maritime Worker Could Suffer

It’s not unusual for an underwater welder to get a cut or bruise from time to time. Yet, when serious negligence is at play, one may suffer: 

  • Crush injuries
  • Electrocutions 
  • Brain damage 
  • Spinal cord trauma 
  • Organ damage 
  • Respiratory distress 
  • Pneumonia 
  • Lacerations 
  • Ear and nose damage 

While underwater welders accept the possibility of injuries in their line of work, they shouldn’t be exposed to avoidable hazards. 

CTA CTA

I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.

Rick Smith | Client
Contact Us Today We want to be there for you

How Can an Underwater Welder Avoid Suffering Injuries?

Even for the most experienced divers, underwater welding is dangerous. That’s because a worker’s mind is focused on two things (welding and diving) rather than solely on being underwater. However, some things that happen are entirely out of a diver’s control, and rather, in the hands of a third party. 

Avoiding injuries requires a diver, their employer, and other involved parties to: 

  • Ensure that all equipment works as expected
  • Make sure that welders have scuba certifications 
  • Avoid working in inclement conditions (for instance, churning waters) 
  • Explain any possible dangers to a diving crew beforehand 
  • Responding promptly to distress signals 
  • Rendering appropriate aid if a diver surfaces and has serious injuries 

Negligence is at the core of many underwater welding claims. For instance, suppose that a diver’s air tubes get tangled, and they send out a distress signal. Yet, the person monitoring the system was distracted with non-work-related tasks, causing the diver to suffer near-fatal drowning. 

In that instance, the diver could file a claim against the dispatcher, arguing that because they didn’t respond promptly to the distress call, they suffered serious injuries. If you suffered injuries while on the job, you have the opportunity to partner with a lawyer. 

CTA CTA

The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.

Client
Call Us - (337) 777-7777 We are here when you need us the most

What Can I Expect From an Underwater Welding Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?

When you entrust your personal injury case to a lawyer, they have one goal: to recover compensation for your injury-related losses. They can support your case by: 

  • Listing your damages: These could include several damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income. Your lawyer can evaluate your losses by reviewing your situation. 
  • Determining liability: Liability could rest with an equipment manufacturer, another welder, your employer, or another party. The evidence of that party’s liability could be malfunctioning equipment, witness testimony, or inspection records. 
  • Negotiating a settlement: Your lawyer may try to negotiate with the liable insurer to reach a fair settlement. This involves managing communications and understanding what your case is worth. 
  • Litigating your case: If necessary, a lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and represent your interests in court. 

Many personal injury lawyers (including the ones at our firm) work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket to secure assistance. 

CTA CTA

They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.

Client
Contact Us Today We will work to get you the best outcome for your case

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for More Information

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers advocates for underwater welders. We have more than 350 years of combined legal experience advocating for injured claimants, and we’re well-versed in both maritime and personal injury law. You have options if you or a loved one suffered an on-the-job injury. To explore your options during a free case review, call now.

Personal Injury Blog Posts:

2024 Atlantic Hurricane Names – Active Season Predicted

As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, forecasters are predicting another active few months for tropical storm development. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is...

Home Damage in Tornado-Causing Storm in St. Landry, Evangeline Parishes & Across Central Louisiana and Acadiana

Home Damage in Tornado-Causing Storm in St. Landry, Evangeline Parishes & Across Central Louisiana and Acadiana

On Wednesday, April 10, a severe storm system swept through Louisiana, unleashing tornadoes and causing extensive damage across the region, including in St. Landry Parish and Evangeline Parish, and...

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Makes the 2023 Fastest-Responding Firms List!

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Makes the 2023 Fastest-Responding Firms List!

In the fast-paced world we live in today, consistently prompt response times from law firms are increasingly important for injury victims. One of the biggest complaints we hear about other law firms...

Why We Are

The Best Choice For You

Over 1,000+ 5-Star Google Reviews Across Our Locations
Over $1 Billion Recovered For Our Clients
An Award-Winning Team in Your Corner
You Get the Full Team on Your Case, Including David & Digger
Communication with You is a Top Priority
We Give Back to Our Communities

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Available 24 hours a day • 7 days a week
GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION
Personal Injury FAQ:
What is the Average Settlement for Spinal Stenosis? What is the Average Settlement for Spinal Stenosis?

The average settlement for spinal stenosis is often hard to assess, as many factors can impact case value. For instance, the severity of a victim’s injuries plays a significant role in

How to Claim Medical Damages After a Construction Accident How to Claim Medical Damages After a Construction Accident

To claim medical damages after a construction accident, it is crucial first to seek immediate medical attention and document all treatments, then promptly report the accident to your employer and

What Are Common Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites? What Are Common Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites?

Common causes of accidents on construction sites include lack of proper safety measures, such as inadequate safety protocols and insufficient protective equipment, and human error resulting from poor

Contact Us Form
CONTACT US TODAY NO WIN, NO FEE GUARANTEE
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Untitled
Untitled

Categories
  • Awards
  • Car Accidents
  • Company News
  • Hurricane Damage
  • Natural Disaster
  • Personal Injury
  • Scholarship

 

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Hospital Lien? What Is a Hospital Lien?
When to Get a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer When to Get a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement? What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement?
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Jefferson Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Harvey Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Broussard Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Jeanerette Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Ruston Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Gretna Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Egan Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Mandeville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Leesville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Hammond Personal Injury Lawyer
How can we help you

How We Can Help You

Let our injury attorneys help you maximize the compensation you deserve to turn your life back around.


Contact us today if you want to tell us about your accident. We have someone available to discuss your situation at all times of the day.

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

FREE Case Evaluation

No Win - No Fee
Name(Required)
Name(Required)
Email Opt In
SMS Opt in

Contact Us

(337) 777-7777

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Lafayette
1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone : (337) 777-7777

Alexandria
100 Versailles Blvd, Suite A,
Alexandria, LA 71303

Phone : (318) 777-7777

Marksville
306 North Washington Street, Suite A,
Marksville, LA 71351

Phone : (318) 310-8922

New Iberia
230 W. Main Street,
New Iberia, LA 70560

Phone : (337)-547-2777

Lake Charles
530 E College St,
Lake Charles, LA 70605

Phone : (337) 612-6909

New Orleans
821 Baronne St, Suite D,
New Orleans, LA 70113

Phone : (504) 777-7777

Baton Rouge
660 St Ferdinand St,
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone : (225) 777-7777

Practice Areas

  • Bicycle Accident
  • Car Accident
  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Dog Bite
  • Maritime Injury
  • Mass Torts
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Pedestrian Accident
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Toxic Torts
  • Truck Accident
  • Slip and Fall
  • Wrongful Death

About Links

  • Our Attorneys
  • Verdicts and Settlements
  • Community
  • Testimonials
  • Scholarships

Leave a Review

  • LAFAYETTE
  • ALEXANDRIA
  • MARKSVILLE
  • NEW ORLEANS
  • NEW IBERIA
  • LAKE CHARLES
  • BATON ROUGE

Copyright © Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers 2025.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy / Sitemap

Hennessey-Digital-Badge