News

Former student sues BTC over welding class incident

Former student sues BTC over welding class incident

Front sign of Bellingham Technical College. Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A former student is taking legal action against a local college after sustaining serious injuries during a class.

Court documents state that Tess Sivret was enrolled in a welding course at Bellingham Technical College.

During a class in November 2023, an unspecified incident caused severe burns on her chest, neck and shoulder.

Her lawsuit accuses the school of failing to make sure equipment was working properly and failing to check if appropriate personal protective equipment was being used, among other claims.

Also named in the suit as plaintiffs are her parents, who claim they have suffered financial hardship as the result of Sivret’s injuries.

It’s unclear how much the family is seeking in damages.

The Bellingham Herald was the first to report the lawsuit.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Health and Wellness, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Air quality rapidly declines in Whatcom County

Smoke is likely coming from ongoing wildfires in BC.

1 day ago in Business, Government, Local, Trending

Bellingham to hold public hearing for proposed affordable housing incentive

The city council is considering an ordinance that would exempt some city-funded development projects from most zoning and land use regulations.

1 day ago in Community Events, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Traffic

Bike ride through Whatcom, Skagit Counties may cause delays

Cyclists are travelling from Seattle to Vancouver in two days starting Saturday.

1 day ago in Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Fire weather watch issued for eastern Whatcom County

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to hit the region from late Friday night into Saturday evening.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Noisy Waters Mural Festival announces 2026 winners

Three new murals will grace the streets of Bellingham in 2027.