Roofing accidents are some of the most common—and most dangerous—types of construction accidents. They often result in a fall from a significant height. The risk factors associated with these injuries make them potentially deadly.
If you were hurt in a roofing accident, you might have a viable case for financial compensation. If you rely on the guidance of a roof injury attorney, you could obtain monetary damages for your medical bills, pain, and other losses. Let a New York construction accident lawyer help you pursue a case for compensation.
Why You Need a Roofing Accident Lawyer in New York City
If a worker has been seriously injured in a New York City roofing accident, a lawyer could help them recover damages that will reimburse them for a lifetime of related expenses. Workers who attempt to resolve their claims on their own will often receive low settlemen6t offers and face pressure to accept them. However, once an offer is accepted and a settlement agreement is signed, they give up all rights to recover compensation for future costs and expenses they incur while recuperating.
When an injured worker retains an experienced construction accident lawyer, they will manage all communications with the negligent parties liable for the worker’s damages and the insurance companies that cover them. The attorney will also verify that no settlement is signed or accepted until all of the worker’s damages are factored into settlement payments.
An experienced lawyer will also investigate all potential sources of damages recovery on behalf of the worker. For example, subcontractors often employ them at construction sites with other subcontractors. One or more may be liable–depending on the cause and circumstances of the accident. Liability might also extend to general contractors, site owners, architects, and engineers working at the site. Workers’ compensation payments might reimburse a minor portion of an injured worker’s losses. However, a greater recovery may be available through third-party lawsuits against those other parties.
In New York, an injured roofing worker has three years to file a lawsuit to recover damages. A different deadline applies to workers’ compensation claims. Additional deadlines and rules apply to claims and lawsuits against the city or state governmental entities. When you retain a lawyer to protect your interests, they will verify that all your notices and claims are filed well within the applicable limitation periods.
Construction workers are at a disadvantage when they attempt to press their claims on their own against large construction companies and the lawyers who represent them. They can level the playing field by retaining their own lawyer to push back against inadequate settlement offers and pressure to resolve roofing accident claims quickly for low amounts.
Frequent causes of roofing accidents
Falling from a roof can happen in many different ways, and negligence frequently plays a part in these accidents. Some of the factors that could result in a roofing accident include:
- Dangerous weather. Extreme weather conditions can frequently cause falls from a roof. Heavy rain can make for dangerous roofing conditions, as can accumulated snow or ice. Even small amounts of moisture on a roof can make it difficult for a roofer to gain traction. This can lead to a fall.
- Electrocution. Falling from a roof is a secondary consequence of some electrocution injuries. If a roofer makes contact with a power line or other source of electricity, they could suffer life-threatening injuries. These injuries could also cause a worker to lose their balance and fall.
- Tripping hazards. Workers typically need to move across a roof while repairing or replacing it. When debris or other tripping hazards are present, the chances of a fall could increase dramatically.
- Roof pitch. The pitch of the roof will also play into how likely a fall accident is. A steep roof could make it difficult for even the most experienced workers to avoid a fall.
Common roofing accident injuries
There are numerous injuries that could occur as the result of an accident on a roof. The nature of the accident will largely determine the type of injury that occurs. Falls can cause catastrophic injuries, but there are other factors that can also lead to physical harm for roofers. Some of the most common injuries associated with roofing accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Back injuries
- Paralysis
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
Some injuries are unavoidable, while others are due entirely to the carelessness of the injured party. However, injuries often frequently result from acts of negligence by someone else. Compensation could be available when negligence is to blame.
Compensation for a roofing accident
If you are living with the consequences of a roofing accident, you could be entitled to various types of monetary compensation. Some of the types of damages you might be entitled to recover include:
- Medical bills. When you suffer an injury in a roofing accident, your medical bills can add up fast. If you pursue legal action and are successful following an accident, you could recover compensation that pays for all of your medical expenses.
- Lost wages. Many people that are hurt in roofing accidents are no longer able to work. If a roofing accident has impacted how you make your living, you might be entitled to recoup your lost wages.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain is a common outcome following a roofing accident. Damages could be available to you based on the severity of your physical pain.
- Property damage. You could also be entitled to damages for replacing your property in the fall. This could include anything from eyeglasses to electronic devices.
Reach out to an attorney following a roofing accident
Before you attempt to resolve your construction site fall accident case on your own, let an attorney help you pursue justice for your injuries. The team of Friedman Levy is ready to help you aggressively pursue the favorable outcome you deserve. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation following a roofing accident.
