Roofers provide roofs over our heads to protect us from the heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and lightning that frequent the New York City area. Too often, however, roofers themselves are not protected from the dangerous elements of their jobs, and they face serious risks that could cause devastating injuries.
In 2017, roofers had the fourth-highest fatal work injury rate among civilian occupations in the United States—45.2 of every 100,000 roofers died from job-related injuries. Only fishers, loggers, and airplane pilots-flight engineers had higher rates of fatality from work-related injuries.
Roofer Risks and Injuries
If you are a roofer in the greater New York area, or if you love someone who is a roofer, then it is important to recognize the following risks:
- Falls from heights. Personal fall protection systems, guard rails, harnesses, and other safety measures can prevent falls. At a minimum, all roofers deserve fall safety protection measures that are reasonably designed to protect them and that work as expected.
- Tools. Roofers work with powerful tools, such as drills, saws, cutters, and nail guns. Even with proper training, accidents can happen to cautious workers. Accidents are even more likely when workers do not receive the right training, and when proper safety procedures are not followed.
- Exposure to the elements. New York City roofers face extremely hot temperatures in the summer months and freezing temperatures in the winter months. During the summer, dehydration and heat stroke are serious risks. While most construction is done during the spring, summer, and fall, a roofer who is working during a New York winter risks frostbite. During any season, wind and precipitation can increase the fall risk, and lightning can be deadly.
- Power line accidents. Roofers often work at the same height as power lines. Contact with live power lines can result in serious or fatal injuries.
- Falling debris. Roofing materials must get to the roof so that roofers can do their jobs. If these materials fall on roofers who are below roof level, then they may be hurt.
- Lifting and bending. Roofing requires lifting heavy materials and bending to install the shingles, tiles, or another roofing surface. Over time, repetitive lifting and bending can cause injuries.
These roofing accidents can result in many different types of catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries or other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Amputations
- Illnesses caused by weather such as heat stroke or frostbite
- Electrocution
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
Any time you are involved in a roofing accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to make sure that all of your injuries are diagnosed and treated. Additionally, it is essential to find out why the accident occurred so that you can protect your right to a full and fair financial recovery.
New York Roofing Accident Damages
Some roofing injuries can be prevented with sufficient training, safety procedures that are followed all of the time, and safety equipment that works as intended. Other roofing injuries are just accidents, however, that were unpreventable.
Our New York City construction accident lawyers will do a full investigation into the cause of your roofing accident injury, or your loved one’s death, to determine what laws may apply. In some cases, such as when the general contractor is negligent, you may be able to pursue financial compensation directly from then negligent contractor instead of through the New York workers’ compensation system.
We will fight for you so that you get compensation for medical bills and lost income related to your roofing accident. If you are disabled or your loved one died, then we will also fight for disability benefits or death benefits. Additionally, if a specific New York Labor Law applies to your case or a third party’s negligence caused the accident, then we will fight for future lost income, compensation for pain and suffering, and any other damages related to your accident.
Our Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
You have no time to waste. The experienced New York City construction injury attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer are committed to protecting injured roofers. We will make sure that you are treated fairly. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation.
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