Roofing Contractor Injury Claims in NYC
Roofing contractors are working in one of the country’s most dangerous industries. Working conditions are inherently hazardous due to high elevations and exposure to harsh NYC weather conditions. A roofer injured on the job has a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. The injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance include:
- Falls from heights
- Injuries from tools and equipment
- Overexertion
- Exposure to extreme heat or cold
- Injuries related to inadequate safety equipment or processes
- Errors by co-workers
- Falling materials or tools
- Injuries related to lifting and bending repetitively
- Muscular and skeletal damage
Roofing: Dangers on the Job
Installing a roof is a hazardous occupation, and the occupation involves several dangers that workers face every day:
- Ladder falls
- Power tool malfunctions
- Electrical hazards
- Toxic substance exposure
- Exposure to extreme noise
- High or low temperatures
- Working at heights
Common Injuries Sustained by Roofers
Installing a roof on a home or commercial building is a unique and important occupation, and in constant demand in New York. Roofers have an important skill, but the job can cause severe physical damage, whether suddenly, or over time. Some of the most common injuries suffered by roofing contractors are:
- Damage to arms, shoulders, or elbows, such as tendonitis, muscle tears, or broken bones
- Back injuries related to constant bending and lifting, including lower back pain, herniated discs, and other painful or debilitating injuries.
- Facial injuries from tool malfunctions, slips or falls.
- Foot and ankle injuries related to working on angled roofs, tripping, or falling.
- Hand, wrist, and arm injuries associated with moving materials, and constant use of heavy tools.
- Head and brain injuries sustained in a fall.
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis) sustained in a fall.
- Neck injuries from the constant lifting and bending or due to a fall.
- Leg, knee or hip injuries sustained from kneeling, bending, and lifting.
What Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Should You Expect?
Your employer is required to carry workers’ comp insurance, in most cases. This insurance is “no-fault.” You exchange the right to file a lawsuit against your employer by being promised benefits if you are injured on the job. The benefits you have a right to claim after being injured on a roofing job include:
- The cost of medical care and treatment.
- A percentage of your lost wages.
- Survivor benefits for the family in the death of a worker.
Be aware that you are required to inform your employer immediately if you are injured and seek medical care from a provider authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Ensure you understand that you must attend an authorized medical clinic, hospital, or medical professional or you may face paying your medical bills out of pocket.
Why You Need a New York Attorney
We all wish that the workers’ compensation system was simple, with benefits approved and paid in a timely manner. In fact, many valid claims are denied. It is common knowledge that roofers can sustain cumulative injuries, but these claims are often denied, and an appeal must be filed. Whether you are filing your initial claim or were denied benefits, the skills and experience of your lawyer play a vital role in the outcome of your case. You want to ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve.
Call Our Firm for a New York Workers’ Comp Lawyer You Can Trust.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP in NYC, we are honored to be known as one of the most talented lawyer teams in the region. Our philosophy is to thoroughly prepare every case for the crucible of the courtroom. Every case is meticulously prepared, with all the relevant facts, and submitted to the agency in the most professional manner. To seek representation from a workers’ comp attorney you can trust, connect with us for a free case evaluation. Call (212) 986-7353 today.