Bellingham Tech Student Sues Over Welding Burns

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  A former Bellingham Technical College student has filed a lawsuit“Bellingham Technical College is facing a lawsuit from a student who was burned in a welding class in November 2023.”
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  The lawsuit alleges the college was negligent in a welding class“Tess Sivret was in a welding class in November 2023 when she was severely burned on her neck, chest, torso and "upper right extremity," according to a lawsuit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court in July. The Bellingham Herald first reported the lawsuit. Sivret and her parents, Deanna and Brett Sivret, allege in the lawsuit that the burns were "a direct result" of the college's "negligent acts and omissions," including a failure to make sure equipment was working property, a failure to provide Tess Sivret with proper personal protective equipment and ensure it was in use, a failure to adequately supervise the student, a failure to enforce safe welding protocols and procedure, a failure to warn Sivret of "known hazards" associated with the task, and a failure to maintain the facility in a safe condition.”
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  The negligence caused severe burns in November 2023“Tess Sivret was in a welding class in November 2023 when she was severely burned on her neck, chest, torso and "upper right extremity," according to a lawsuit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court in July.”
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  Tess Sivret, 20, and her parents claim the college failed to provide proper equipmentNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The college failed to provide proper supervision“a failure to adequately supervise the student,”
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  The college failed to provide proper safety protocols“a failure to provide Tess Sivret with proper personal protective equipment and ensure it was in use, a failure to adequately supervise the student, a failure to enforce safe welding protocols and procedure, a failure to warn Sivret of "known hazards" associated with the task, and a failure to maintain the facility in a safe condition.”
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  The failure led to burns on her neck, chest, torso, and upper right arm“Tess Sivret was in a welding class in November 2023 when she was severely burned on her neck, chest, torso and “upper right extremity,” according to a lawsuit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court in July.”
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  The lawsuit was filed in Whatcom County Superior Court“Tess Sivret was in a welding class in November 2023 when she was severely burned on her neck, chest, torso and "upper right extremity," according to a lawsuit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court in July.”
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  The lawsuit was filed in July 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Bellingham Technical College's executive assistant stated the college cannot comment on the case details“Ronda Laughlin, executive assistant in the Bellingham Technical College president's office, said the college is "unable to comment on details of the case" as the matter is being litigated.”
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  The case is under litigation“Bellingham Technical College is facing a lawsuit from a student who was burned in a welding class in November 2023. She and her parents allege negligence on the part of the college.”
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  The college has not publicly addressed the allegations beyond this statementNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The case remains pending in courtNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  No further details have been provided by the college or the plaintiff's legal teamNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.