As the name implies, roofers work on residential and commercial roofs. They build them, fix them, maintain them and demolish them. Roofers may work on very small jobs, such as the roof of a shed or barn, but are more likely to work on houses and commercial buildings like garages, stores, shopping centers and high rise buildings of all types. Roofing is a specialist trade and is not for the faint hearted as it might mean working high above the ground on a sloping surface with appropriate safety equipment. Not surprisingly, roofers are exposed to risks which those in the building or construction industry who work at ground level do not have. Common Workplace Injuries The worst case scenario for a roofer is the collapse of the roof they are working on. The roofer may then fall inside the building and be severely injured. Any type of uncontrolled fall off a roof could be very serious. Good workplace practices involve specialized training and the use of safety equipment which should prevent the most serious accidents happening. Next Steps After a Workplace Injury The roofer should preferably find out whether they are covered by any type of workers’ compensation insurance cover at the place they are working. Most states do not make it compulsory for self-employed trades’ people to be covered by workers’ compensation, although many will actually opt to take out their own private insurance to cover them if they are injured or become sick. Roofers who are employed by a business or company will generally be sure they are covered by their employer’s own workers’ compensation insurance cover. There will be a time limit for workers’ compensation claims, typically 2 to 3 years from the date of the accident. As the main stumbling block when it comes to obtaining workers’ compensation is when an insurer is not convinced that the injury was genuine, it is important after an injury to take photos, use any work colleagues or members of the public in the vicinity as witnesses. How Workers’ Compensation Can Help Workers’ compensation covers all medical treatment needed, both immediately after the injury and in the future, if the treatment is needed. Some insurers stipulate which medical facility to use, some don’t and others require the injured roofer to go to a preferred medical provider for the initial examination. Two thirds of average earnings are also paid out in a normal compensation payment, or thereabouts, depending on the state rules for workers’ compensation. If the roofer has been severely injured, e.g. paralyzed from the neck downwards as a result of a fall, a permanent disability benefit should also be available. Why You Should Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Workers’ compensation may be easier to deal with than a personal injury claim but is not always as straightforward as it should be. It can help to seek initial advice from a workers’ comp. attorney before actually submitting the claim to ensure that the documentation is complete. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to talk with a workers’ compensation lawyer today. Additional Resources Falls and Workers' Compensation What Are The Most Common Injuries In WC Cases?
