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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

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Roof falls are typically an undeniable danger to workers exposed to heights. Without the proper safety training and equipment, these workers can be at severe risk of injury or death in the event of a roof fall.

Even with protective gear, proper safety equipment, fall protection, and regular maintenance, roofing accidents are still possible and often result in costly medical bills for those affected. Fortunately, employers are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees if they are injured in a roof fall accident.

Chicago roof fall accident lawyers

Did you suffer severe injuries in a roofing accident? Each Chicago roof fall accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC advocates for the maximum compensation available under the law.

Contact our Chicago construction accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form for additional information and answers, or schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, workers’ compensation benefits, and who can be held liable.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Roofing Regulations

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1], several regulations help keep roofers safe from harm while on the job. To start, rooftop workers must be trained to recognize hazardous conditions and learn how to use equipment such as fall protection systems that prevent roof falls.

They must also be informed about electrical hazards, such as exposed wiring, and any other potential slip or trip hazards. Employers are also obligated to provide a safe working environment for their employees by maintaining the roofing structures and making sure ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment is kept in good condition to avoid fall accidents.

Safety precautions must be followed to prevent severe injuries and fatalities in a roofing accident. Roofers must take safety precautions to prevent catastrophic injuries and deaths while on the job. These include:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment such as hard hats, goggles, and gloves
  • Ensuring a personal fall arrest system is in place and functioning correctly
  • Keeping ladders, scaffolds, and any other tools in good condition to avoid equipment malfunction
  • Regularly inspecting the roofing structure for loose boards or other defects
  • Testing power cords/outlets for exposed wiring
  • Maintaining power tools
  • Knowing how to recognize hazardous conditions on the roof before starting work
  • Providing additional proper training courses to employees operating heavy machinery
  • Properly installing roof safety guards and barriers
  • Following safety standards when lifting and removing roofing materials at the job site

Additionally, employers must ensure that all safety guards are installed properly and securely. Finally, OSHA recommends regular inspections of the entire worksite before starting any work.

Inspections include checking for loose boards, testing power cords/outlets, inspecting ladders for stability, and clearing pathways of debris or other obstructions that could cause a roofing accident. By following these guidelines closely, contractors can help ensure their workers’ safety and financial security if they are injured or die at work.

A severe workplace injury on a construction site can have far-reaching effects that require long-term healing and ongoing physical therapy. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can be a complex process that involves:

  • Multiple medical treatments
  • Prescriptions
  • Regular visits to the doctor or hospital

Additionally, rehabilitation often plays an essential role in helping the patient regain strength or range of motion, so they can eventually return to their routine. Physical therapy is also often recommended for patients who experience long-term pain or dysfunction.

Common injuries workers experience in roofing accidents include:

  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Musculoskeletal disorders such as strains, sprains, and fractures due to overexertion or repeated motions
  • Eye injuries caused by dust or particles entering the eye
  • Cuts and bruises from tools or parts of the roof structure
  • Broken bones and complex fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Internal injuries, including punctured organs
  • Psychological injuries, including emotional trauma from fall accidents
  • Heat stress from working on the roof in hot conditions
  • Electrical shocks from faulty wiring or equipment
  • Other catastrophic injuries and even death.

Roofing Contractors’ Obligations to Protect Each Construction Worker

Roofing contractors hire roofers to repair, replace, or restore new and damaged roofing materials. The contractors are obligated to carry insurance on all workers in case of any injury or death caused by their work, which is especially important for those working at heights, as the threat of a roof fall can have serious consequences.

A worker’s compensation claim protects the roofing contractor and injured worker, ensuring they receive necessary medical treatment and financial assistance if a roofing accident occurs.

All contractors should research different insurance policies that cover medical expenses so they can make an informed decision on which best suits the needs of their business and employees.

Seeking Compensation From a Construction Company After a Roofing Accident Occurred

If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the responsible construction company. You should first seek medical attention to assess the extent of your injuries, as this will determine the nature of any compensation you may receive.

Most companies require that victims file a workers’ compensation claim with their state’s labor department to obtain benefits such as lost wages and medical expenses. To do this, you must provide proof of liability for the accident while working on a roof construction site and details about your injuries.

An attorney can help you navigate the process so that your claim is complete and accurate. In addition to filing for workers’ compensation, you may also be able to take legal action against the employer or another party responsible for your damages.

Surviving family members who lost a loved one in a fatal roofing accident can file a wrongful death lawsuit. A qualifying family member might include a surviving spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, and siblings.

Hire Chicago Roof Fall Accident Lawyers Specializing in Construction Accidents

Any construction worker injured might need a roofing accident lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure they receive adequate compensation.

A skilled lawyer can help prove that their client’s damages were caused by negligence or recklessness on the part of another party. With this proof, they will negotiate a settlement agreement with the other party to resolve a personal injury lawsuit and cover medical costs and lost income due to missed work hours.

Our law firm specializes in roofing accidents to hold contractors and property owners accountable for the harm. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation on how we can seek compensation on your behalf.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we accept all cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay our fees until your accident lawyer obtains a monetary recovery to resolve your claim.

Resources: [1] OSHA

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Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

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Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

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Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

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