One of the most dangerous jobs in construction is roofing. However, with proper safety protocols in place, many accidents can be avoided. If you are injured in a roofing accident in New York, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. By consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer Bronx, you can find out if your case has merit and what steps you need to take to start the claims process.
Some of the most common roofing accidents are caused by:
- Inclement weather — Working on a roof with a pitched angle is hard enough. Now imagine doing so on a wet surface, with rain, snow, high winds, fog, etc. Unfortunately, working in these conditions comes with the job. Since solid footing on a wet angled surface is nearly impossible, it is essential that workers wear safety harnesses and other equipment to prevent fall accidents.
- Roof pitch — Many residential roofs have a minimum pitch of 20 degrees. This dramatic slope helps with water run-off and prevents leaks. However, this dramatic angle is difficult to work on and can lead to catastrophic, if not fatal, slip and fall accidents.
- Electrocution — At the elevation where roofers generally operate, there are many live wires that can lead to electrocution.
- Debris and tripping hazards — Roofing often requires many materials, tools, and various construction equipment. If not secured, these items and debris may fall onto workers or passerbys below. Additionally, these same items can cause roofers to suffer fatal trip and fall accidents.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. In many cases, these tragedies could have been avoided if workers received adequate safety training and were equipped with proper safety harnesses and gear. If you lost a loved one in a construction accident fall, seek legal guidance — you may be able to recover fair compensation.
Bronx medical malpractice lawyer fights for you
At the Law Offices of Evan W. Kohn, we have 30 years of experience representing roofing accident victims in the Bronx and throughout NYC. Call 718-409-5500 or contact us online to discuss your case with an experienced accident lawyer today.