New York Roofing Accident Lawyer
Roofers perform a work that is absolutely vital to our society since all residential homes and commercial buildings must be protected against the elements. However, a roofer’s work is not without risks. These hard workers are confronted with hazards on a daily basis.
Because roofers work at such high altitudes, when an accident occurs, a roofer usually suffers life-changing or fatal injuries. In fact, according to one source, roofing is the fourth most dangerous profession in the nation.
At Hill & Moin, we appreciate the work that you as a roofer do for our community. As such, if you or someone you love has been injured in a roofing accident, please be assured that our empathetic injury lawyers are here to help you.
We can review your case carefully and provide options for pursuing compensation for injuries. Please contact the law firm of Hill & Moin today at (212) 668-6000. With us, it’s like having a lawyer in the family!
Common Causes of Roofing Accidents
Due to the fact that roofers work at extremely high surfaces, there is a constant threat of being injured. Safety measures can help, but they cannot eliminate all accidents from occurring. The following are some of the most common causes of roofing accidents.
- Falls: Due to the very nature of the work, a roofer is faced with the ever-present danger of falling. This is even more so if a roofer is working in the rain or from a steep-sloped roof. When a roofer is not properly trained, or equipment such as ladders are not properly secured, there is a very real risk of an accident occurring with devastating results.
- Electrocutions: Since roofers often use metal ladders and are exposed to electrical wires, there is a risk of a roofer being electrocuted. The risk of a roofer being electrocuted increases if he or she is working on a construction site or in close proximity to power lines.
- Falling objects: Workers on construction sites are constantly in danger of being injured by falling objects. When a roofer is ascending or descending a ladder or scaffolding, he or she may suffer catastrophic injuries by being struck by tools, materials, equipment, or debris, that negligently had not been properly secured.
- Power tools: Roofers work with many power tools, such as saws, nail guns, hammer tackers, and drills. Therefore, they must be properly trained on the safe use of such tools, or an accident resulting in serious injuries can occur. The same would be true if a roofer were to slip while using a power tool.
- Excessive heat exposure: Roofers often work for long hours being directly exposed to extreme heat from the sun. A roofer working in such conditions may suffer heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, and heat stroke.
Of course, this list is not comprehensive. There are many other risk factors that roofers are constantly exposed to such as roof and scaffolding collapses or asbestos.
In most cases, accidents occur due to negligence on the part of someone else. The assistance of a lawyer is absolutely vital to pinpoint the exact cause of the accident and hold the responsible party (or parties) liable for damages.
Common Injuries Sustained by Roofers
Roofing accidents quite frequently leave workers with catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Some common injuries that result from roofing accidents include the following.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries occur in various forms. Some brain injuries are internal, whereas others can be penetrating through the skull. These types of injuries include hemorrhages and concussions, both of which require rapid medical attention as potentially life-threatening conditions.
Spinal Cord Injury
Any degree of spinal cord injury (SCI) is serious, especially since the spinal cord helps the brain control various functions of the body. SCI Injuries can be mild or severe. The results of a SCI can be loss of motion, a weakening of the muscles, and even paralysis. Sadly, sometimes, the paralysis cannot be reversed.
Bones fractures
An accident can result in a roofer suffering fractures to his or her bones externally and internally. Bones in the legs, pelvic area, ribs, arms, and shoulders, can be broken after a fall from a high altitude. Although it may not be life-threatening, a fracture or break may require surgery and can leave a roofer permanently disabled.
Internal injuries
Roofing accidents can cause damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, and heart. Internal bones could be broken from the impact and puncture a vital organ. Internal bleeding can occur in various areas of the body, which can be life-threatening.
Loss of limbs
The loss of a limb is definitely a devastating, life-changing event. Some injuries may heal with time, but losing a limb is permanent. The innocent victim must learn how to live the rest of his or her life using a prosthetic or otherwise managing with fewer extremities, which can be excruciatingly difficult. The entire healing process after the surgery is understandably very traumatic.
Wrongful death
Sadly, and far too often, an unexpected accident causes the death of a roofer. Losing a loved one can cause an incredible amount of pain and suffering to a family, which may be further compounded if it is discovered that the accident was the result of someone’s negligence.
If you have been injured in a roofing accident or have suffered the loss of a loved one, you have the legal right to receive fair compensation for your loss. An experienced personal injury lawyer with our firm can discuss what your legal options are for pursuing compensation.
Potentially Liable Parties
The State of New York requires virtually all employers to hold workers’ compensation coverage for their employees in case of work-related injuries and illnesses. Therefore, if a roofer suffers an on-the-job injury, he or she would receive compensation for damages from the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
However, many roofers are independent contractors, meaning they are not covered by an employer’s workers’ compensation. Even with roofers that have the benefit of a company’s workers’ comp insurance, the process for receiving fair compensation for damages is often more complicated than simply filing a claim.
First, the insurance adjuster may only seek to minimize the cost of the claim. Additionally, it’s often found that a roofing accident is the result of multiple factors, possibly involving one or more third-parties who share a measure of liability. These parties would normally carry workers’ comp that can cover the injured roofer.
Some parties that may share a measure of liability in a roofing accident are:
- Manufacturers: If it’s discovered that faulty equipment, such as a ladder or safety harness, was the cause of the accident, then the manufacturer could be found liable.
- Property owners: If hazardous conditions existed on the property and the owner failed to give a warning, then he or she may share liability.
- Contractors from another company: If the negligent actions of employees of another company on the construction site resulted in a roofing accident, then that company may be found liable.
All of this highlights why pursuing fair compensation for a roofing accident can be a complicated process. This is why it is vital for a victim of a roofing accident to get legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive
Roofers who suffer personal injuries from on-the-job accidents have the legal right to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for losses beyond what workers’ compensation insurance might cover.
Compensation for damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Household renovation for disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Compensation for wrongful death
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You
If you have been injured in a roofing accident, talk with a personal injury lawyer at Hill & Moin LLP right away. Far too often, a workers’ compensation claim may not be your only option to pursue compensation. You may also be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, which may be necessary to pursue compensation beyond what the insurance company may offer, and from all responsible parties.
A quick call to our law firm will be worth your while, even if you feel your injuries are not serious. Be aware that seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time. It’s better to build a strong foundation for your case from the very beginning.
The law firm that you choose to represent you will have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Our lawyers can help to arrange an investigation of the roofing accident to gather the facts and pursue the responsible parties for a fair settlement.
Never settle without consulting a lawyer! Remember that the empathetic lawyers at Hill & Moin LLP in New York City stand ready to hear your story. As some of our clients like to say, with us, “it’s like having a lawyer in the family.”
Contact us today at (212) 668-6000 for a free consultation with an attorney to learn your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.
Don’t wonder about your rights!