Toxic Welding Workers vs. Manufacturers of Welding Rods

Fumes given off during welding contain high levels of Manganese, which can lead to Manganese Poisoning. Research studies have indicated that there may be a substantially increased risk of Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism caused by exposure to Manganese in welding fumes. Manufacturers of welding rods have known about the risks of these serious, debilitating injuries for many years, while failing to adequately warn welders and take adequate precautions on job sites.

CLPW&G has been named the nationwide Liaison Counsel for Plaintiffs in In re: Welding Rod Product Liability Litigation, MDL 1535 pending before the Honorable Kathleen M. O'Malley in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division (Cleveland). The lawyers of CLPW&G serve in leadership positions in this important litigation, including the Discovery and Trial Preparation Committee, Class Action Committee, and Pleadings and Briefing Committee. For updated information about the litigation, see: http://www.welding-rod-litigation.com.

The following symptoms may or may not be seen in the early stages of injury from exposure to toxic fumes from welding rods:

The shaking of hands, arms, legs or feet while resting. It may be more noticeable on one side of the body, and it may affect the hands more than the feet.

Slow movement or a brief, temporary delay in movement.

Difficulty in maintaining balance. This sometimes happens while changing positions.

Rigidity or stiffness of the patient's limbs may produce a shuffling gait- the slow, short-stepped walk that may occur during the early stages of Parkinson's or Parkinsonism.

The progressive loss of voluntary and involuntary muscle control produces a number of secondary symptoms associated with Parkinson's. Some secondary symptoms include:

Bradyphrenia (slow response to questions)

Constipation

Dementia (loss of intellectual capacity) late in the disease

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) – saliva and food that collects in the mouth or back of the throat may cause choking, coughing or drooling

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Hypersalivation (excessive salivation)

Hypophonia (soft, whispery voice)

Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting)

Psychosocial: anxiety, depression, isolation

Seborrhea (scaling, dry skin on the face and scalp)

If you have experienced the symptoms listed above and worked in welding, please contact Ms. Nancy Sobie of our office at 877-621-1228, or e-mail: nhsobi@climacolaw.com for further information and a confidential interview.