Roofing accidents are exceedingly common in the industry, causing hundreds of accidents every year. Many times, these accidents result in serious and debilitating injuries that leave a person unable to work and earn income. This, in tandem with steep medical bills, can be devastating to the worker and their family. For this reason, more and more Ohio workers are contacting Toledo roofing accident injury attorneys to obtain compensation.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we represent Ohio workers who were involved in roofing accidents. Drawing on our years of experience and breadth of knowledge, we have been able to successfully obtain millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. If you or a loved one was involved in a roofing accident in Ohio, it is important to act quickly. Consider scheduling a free consultation with our team of Toledo roofing accident injury attorneys at (419) 350-8277 today.
How Can a Roofer Be Injured in a Roofing Accident?
Due to a combination of working at heights and on surfaces that may be unstable or damaged, roofing is a dangerous activity. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every 100,000 workers there were over 40 fatal roofing accidents in 2020 alone. This positions roofing as one of the top ten most dangerous careers in the United States.
Roofing accidents happen due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common ways that a roofer can be injured in an accident include:
- Falling from high surfaces: As the top cause of death among roofers, falls are a common accident in the industry. Unfortunately, the vast majority of falls could be prevented by employing proper safety protocol and equipment.
- Scaffolding accidents: As temporary structures, scaffolds pose a great risk to roofers. Every year, roofers experience injury by falling from scaffolds or due to collapsing scaffold structures.
- Power tool incidents: Often, roofers use heavy machinery and tools to complete work tasks. For this reason, puncture wounds and cuts are common. Additionally, power cords present a risk for tripping and falling from surfaces.
- Repetitive strain injuries: After years of repetitive motion, roofers can sustain injuries from performing the same tasks day in and day out. Repetitive strain injuries can result in serious musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, for example.
- Ladder fall accidents: Ladder accidents cause some of the most common work-related injuries across industries. This is true of the roofing sector as well. Carrying tools or heavy loads while ascending or descending a ladder can pose a risk for injury. Similarly, improper use of a ladder or lack of safety gear can increase the risk of these accidents.
- Weather–related accidents: Exposure to extreme heat or cold can result in serious injury or even death.
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, it may be possible to obtain compensation. An experienced Toledo roofing accident injury attorney can provide a better understanding of the claims process in Ohio.
What Injuries are Likely to Occur Following a Roofing Accident?
After spending years representing victims of roofing accidents, our team at Schaffer & Associates LPA have secured compensation for hundreds of injured workers. As such, we have witnessed a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common roofing accident injuries that our Toledo roofing accident injury attorneys have obtained compensation for include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Electrocution
- Puncture wounds
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Heat stroke
When these injuries do occur, they can have a grave impact on the victim as well as their family and loved ones. To help offset these consequences, Ohio law has established a set of rules and regulations for workers’ compensation in the state. Workers’ compensation coverage can help address medical expenses and ensure financial wellbeing for injured roofers.
Who Is Liable After a Roofer Is Injured in a Roofing Accident?
While all states offer some form of workers’ compensation for injured workers, Ohio’s system operates a bit differently from others. Ohio operates a no-fault system, meaning neither the employer nor the employee can be held liable for a work-related accident. Instead, all employers must obtain some form of workers’ compensation coverage, either through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation or through self-insurance. This, in turn, protects them from negligence lawsuits. The employee is safeguarded as well, ensuring that they are protected following an accident regardless of the circumstances.
There may be certain instances when a third-party can be held liable after a roofer is injured in a roofing accident. In most cases, a third-party liability lawsuit can be pursued if the worker was injured due to a product defect. Similarly, if the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence, aside from the employer, legal action may be sought to recover damages. To navigate these legal matters and secure a fair settlement, seeking assistance from an experienced Toledo roofing accident injury attorney can be valuable.
How to Prove Employer Liability in a Roofing Accident
In some cases, the employer may be held liable in a roofing accident. There have been cases when an employer attempts to classify the roofer as an independent contractor to avoid coverage. In these cases, legal action may need to be taken to secure rightful compensation. In other circumstances, an employer may have taken intentional action to cause harm to the employee. Or, alternatively, they may have negligently failed to provide proper training or equipment to workers. This may be grounds for a lawsuit.
To recover damages in a lawsuit, it is necessary to prove employer liability. This is often very difficult, as evidence and other related materials must be produced to prove that the employer was directly responsible for the accident. To optimize the success of a case, it is imperative for the worker to record all medical processes and treatment, as well as document all details of the accident. Involving a Toledo roofing accident injury attorney can help to successfully conclude a liability case.
Obtain Compensation with the Help of an Experienced Roofing Accident Injury Attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA Today
Roofing accidents can be devastating, resulting in both physical and financial consequences that may have a long-term effect on the worker and their family. In the event of roofing accidents, it is important to understand whether action can be taken to recover from the burden of medical expenses and loss of income.
Fortunately, it is possible to pursue workers’ compensation and, in some cases, legal action to recover damages. To optimize your compensation, it is important to act quickly and seek assistance before it is too late. If you or a loved one was involved in a roofing accident, contact a knowledgeable Toledo roofing accident injury attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA today at (419) 350-8277.
