Year after year, roofing is included among the most dangerous professions in the United States. Within the construction industry, roofers experience some of the most severe injuries as a result of their work.
Top Causes of Roofer Injuries
- Falls: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that 75 percent of fatalities in the roofing industry are caused by fall accidents. Falls from tall heights, including sides and roofs of buildings, can lead to broken bones, head injuries and concussions, bruised ribs, punctured lungs and even death. Falls can also occur with improper use of ladders or bad equipment like old scaffolding.
- Electrocution and electricity-related injuries – If the electricity to a home or building remains on/active when a roofer is at work, and he or she is not taking care to avoid or secure any wires, electrocution can occur. Roofers are often working with metal tools or materials that, when they come in contact with electricity, can cause the user to become injured.
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration – Because roofers work on high, often exposed surfaces for sometimes what can be long hours, they can fall victim to heat-related injuries or issues, like heat exhaustion and dehydration. Both can cause fainting or contribute to falls, which can lead to even greater injury.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim as a Roofer
If you are injured on the job while working for a roofing or construction company, it’s important to understand your options and rights. Roofing is an industry where workers’ compensation insurance is especially important for a company to have. You can inquire about your employers’ level of insurance coverage at any time.
When filing a claim for an on-the-job injury, there are a few simple steps to take:
- Notify your supervisor or employer – you need to be sure that record of your injury is on file with your employer as soon as possible. If possible, at the time of the injury, have a co-worker take photos, or go back after and get photos of the job site where the injury occured to show conditions. The more evidence you can provide, the better.
- See a medical professional – you will need to be examined by a doctor to determine the extent of your injury and its cause.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for a consultation – it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process of filing and pursuing a claim for your injury.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Roofers
Roofing is a tough job and one that comes with serious risks. If you are injured on the job, it’s important to have a lawyer who understands and respects those facts. Look for an attorney who has:
- Experience with roofing or construction accidents. There are a lot of workers’ compensation lawyers out there, but not all of them have the right kind of experience. Make sure you connect with a lawyer who understands the challenges of a roofing injury case.
- Connection to your community/understanding of the environment where you work – big law firms can seem exciting, but working with a big firm usually means you have very little connection to your lawyer and may even get passed between interns. Working with a firm that is invested in the community where you live and work is always more beneficial. They are motivated to work for and with you and they understand your point of view better than the big guys.
- Good reviews – you want someone that others’ have had a positive experience with and who has delivered results for their clients.
If you are in the Lancaster PA area and are injured during a roofing job, call GLS Injury Law first. We’re local, experienced and trusted by the community because of our proven track record and compassionate, dedicated approach. Consultations are always free and we don’t get paid unless you do. Call 717-394-3004 for more information.
