Welcome to the Greensboro Welding Rods Lawyers website of Hardison & Associates, LLP.  Our attorneys specialize in Personal Injury law, and we have been bringing quality legal services to clients throughout North Carolina for over twenty years.  Kenneth L. Hardison and Associates founded the firm with a commitment to making justice work for their clients. If you have been a victim of the severe and devastating effects of Manganism, or manganese poisoning, our team can help make the justice system protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation to which you may be entitled.

Welding joins pieces of metal by the use of heat, pressure, or both, making it one of the most dangerous industrial occupations.  Welding workers are constantly exposed to fire, electric shock, compressed gases, and toxic fumes.  Welding requires an enormous degree of precautionary measures due to the extreme risk of personal injury from even minor accidents.  Fumes are a natural by-product of welding, and the toxic fumes produced by welding include carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.  Metal-fume fever is a condition that results from welding metal coated with, or containing:  zinc, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead, manganese, or vanadium.

Dangerous fumes that are released during welding operations are derived from the following:

• Base material being welded or the filler material that is used
• Coatings and paints on the metal being welded, or coatings converting the electrode
• Shielding gases supplied from cylinders
• Chemical reactions resulting from the action of ultraviolet light
  from the arc and heat
• Process and consumables used
• Contaminants in the air, for example vapors from cleaners and degreasers

Exposure to the fumes affects the central nervous system and can cause disorders of the central nervous system and neurological problems.  "Manganism", or manganese poisoning, is often the result of exposure to welding fumes.  Manganism is characterized by mental difficulties and the impairment of motor skills.  The materials used to join the metal are commonly referred to as welding rods. Other materials may be used, however the welding rods normally contain a higher percentage of manganese. Most rods, wires and electrodes contain manganese, which is a toxic element that passes quickly into the blood stream and tissues of the body. Most often the element enters its victim through the lungs.  

Symptoms of Manganism include:

• Tremors
• Awkward gait
• Abnormal balance
• Memory loss
• Impairment of motor skills
• Slurred speech
• Lack of facial expression
• Sleep disorders

Ken Hardison and Associates understand the issues and laws surrounding Welding Rod injury claims, negotiation and litigation. Call 800-800-434-6962 today or e-mail for an assessment of your North Carolina Welding Rod case. Should you become our client, you will receive personal attention and experienced legal services throughout the claims process. With Hardison & Associates attorneys as your representative, you can confront this complex process with dignity and confidence.