First U.S. Jury Verdict Linking Asbestos From Welding Rods to Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Affirmed by New York Appeals Court

Well, the back & forth between trial lawyers and welding industry lawyers continues. The only sure thing is that lawyers will get rich. For the sake of all the guys out there welding, I hope that they're wrong and that the fumes are safe. I really do. But if they aren't, then this is for the better.

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In the second major verdict against the U.S. welding industry in little more than a week, a New York State appeals court on Dec. 29th affirmed the first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma, Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg, LLP announced.

The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, in a published decision, upheld the July 2003 jury verdict in favor of, Angel Gomez, who died following the trial, and the late Daniel Tucker. Both men worked with and around asbestos-containing welding rods. The jury awarded Gomez a total of approximately $3.19 million against Lincoln Electric Company ("Lincoln"), reduced 25 percent since Gomez was a cigarette smoker. Tucker's estate was awarded a total of approximately $3.5 million split between Lincoln and Hobart Brothers Company ("Hobart").

Read the rest over at Yahoo...

Welders median earnings...

In case you were wondering, the United States department of Labor says that Median hourly earnings of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers were $14.72 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.90 and $18.05. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $9.79, while the top 10 percent earned over $22.20. The range of earnings of welders reflects the wide range of skill levels. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in May 2004 were:

Motor vehicle parts manufacturing	$16.47
Agriculture, construction, and mining machinery manufacturing	14.12
Architectural and structural metals manufacturing	13.98
Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance	13.45
Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing	13.45

Back after a holiday break!

Just a quick note that we're back here at the Welder's Corner after a holiday vacation. I hope you strike a clean arc and run a good bead in 2005!