The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists falls among the top dangers for construction workers. When falls happen from significant heights, like rooftops, serious injuries can occur. Rooftop falls can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from inadequate scaffolding to just plain negligence. New York offers injured workers a range of options for seeking compensation. If you or a loved one suffered a rooftop accident while on the job, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Alternatively, you can pursue damages through an injury claim or lawsuit.
Falls from Heights Are Among the Leading Causes of Worker Deaths and Injuries
OSHA lists falls among its “Fatal Four.” Falling from heights causes countless injuries and millions of dollars in damages each year.
Some causes of these incidents include:
- Inadequate fall protection. New York Labor Law § 240 notes that construction sites must provide adequate scaffolding, ropes, pulleys, slings, ladders, and stays to rooftop workers. If a property owner does not provide these items, they can be found negligent. If these items fail, the product’s manufacturer could bear responsibility.
- Construction workers have an obligation to keep each other safe. When a worker engages in horseplay, comes to work intoxicated, or endangers another worker, they can bear financial accountability for any resulting expenses.
- Various hazards. If a property owner or contractor knows of a rooftop hazard (like holes, rotted wood, or live wires), they must notify their workers. If these entities knew (or should have known) about a hazard, and a worker fell, this constitutes negligence.
Workers Face Other Dangers on Construction Sites
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction sector had one of the highest injury rates in 2019. In addition to fall hazards, roofers also face:
- Exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos
- Risk of fires and explosions
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Prolonged heat exposure
Accidents like these can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and puncture wounds. With our team’s help, we can pursue compensation from the liable party.
Our New York Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You Seek Damages Following a Fall
You can partner with our firm after suffering a fall or losing a loved one. Our goal is to recoup compensation for your injury-related losses. Your options may include:
Securing Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits (which many construction workers do), you can secure recovery for your medical bills and a portion of your lost income. Yet, applying for benefits is harder than it seems.
Our lawyers can manage your claim’s paperwork, negotiate with the insurer, and communicate with the involved parties.
Pursuing an Injury Claim or a Lawsuit
Workers’ compensation only covers some of your injury-related losses. An injury claim or lawsuit, however, can account for the full scope of your losses, including pain and suffering.
When you partner with our legal team, we will:
- Compile photos and videos of your injuries, the job site, and the surrounding area
- Locate and interview witnesses to your accident
- Consult roofing industry experts
- Prepare your comprehensive case file
- Read and review your medical records
- Calculate your injury-related losses
- Prove the at-fault party’s liability
We Can File Your Paperwork Within the Applicable Period
You only have a limited timeframe to file your workers’ compensation and personal injury case. Consider these deadlines:
- Per the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, you generally have 30 days to notify your employer of the incident and two years to file your claim.
- Per CVP § 214, you generally have three years from the date of your fall to file a civil lawsuit.
- Per EPTL § 5-4.1, you typically have two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, if you lost a loved one.
- We can advise you on these and other deadlines that could affect your case’s outcome.
Contact Our New York Injury Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in a New York roofing accident, our personal injury team can seek compensation. During your free case review, we can discuss your case’s potential, how our team can help you, and what your losses are worth.
We have 50 years of experience and require nothing up front to start building your case. To explore working with WRSMH, dial (212) 986-7353.