Roof Collapse Injuries on Construction Sites

Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Not only do you have to work on an elevated surface, but when a roof is under construction, it may be unstable and can cause a severe accident.

If a roof collapses on a construction site, workers are at risk of being injured in a fall. On a construction site, approximately one-third of all fall-related fatalities are the result of a worker falling from the roof. Not only do you face serious injuries from the fall itself, but the collapsing roof can cause debris and construction material can cause secondary injuries.

The New York construction accident attorneys at Finz & Finz P.C. have provided the following information to help you understand the dangers of a roof collapse and your rights after a construction injury. If you or someone you love was hurt in a construction roof collapse, contact one of our experienced attorneys right away to discuss your rights and legal options at 1-855-TOP-FIRM.

What Causes Roof Collapses?

To safely work on a roof that is under construction, the structures in place must be able to support your weight. Also, construction platforms must be properly secured to prevent the platform from moving as you complete your job.

Some of the most common causes of roof collapses on a construction site include:

• Inadequate wall or ceiling support
• Old or damaged building materials
• High moisture from rain or snow
• Objects falling onto the roof
• Accidents involving heavy machinery
• Errors during demolition
• Flaws in the roof design

In many cases, these problems are avoidable when everyone follows stringent safety standards. However, cutting corners or performing careless work often leads to serious hazards that could cause a roof to collapse.

Common Injuries from Roof Collapses

When a roof collapses, the people working on the roof and underneath it are at risk of sustaining serious injuries. Workers on the roof can suffer severe or catastrophic injuries when they fall from a significant height. Also, workers below the roof are at risk of being crushed by the falling building materials.

The injuries from a roof collapse can range from moderate to severe, including but not limited to:

• Lacerations and bruising
• Broken or shattered bones
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

Who is Liable for a Roof Collapse?

Constructing a building requires work and cooperation from numerous different parties. This means that when an accident occurs, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident.

Some of the parties who could potentially be responsible for a roof collapse include:

• Construction site owner or manager
• Employees
• Third-party contractors
• Building material suppliers
• Construction equipment manufacturers
• Engineers or architects

After a serious injury accident, most employees will be eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employer’s insurance policy. There are some circumstances in which injured workers will not be eligible for workers’ comp, and they may need to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Also,  if design flaws, defective equipment, unsafe work conditions, or a negligent third party caused your injury, the employee may have a right to seek compensation from additional sources in addition to claiming workers’ compensation benefits.

That’s why it is critical for injured workers to seek knowledgeable legal counsel after an injury accident on the job site. It can be challenging for an injured worker to determine what compensation they are owed, especially if they are dealing with the stress and strain of medical treatment and recovery. When you hire a construction accident attorney, they will handle all of the legal legwork for you so you can focus on what is important: getting treatment and healing.

Contact a New York Construction Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured in a roof collapse, you could be owed compensation. Don’t hire just any firm to represent you. Turn to the experienced and skilled New York construction accident attorneys at Finz & Finz P.C.

We have spent decades protecting injured workers across New York and Long Island, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Set up a free consultation as soon as possible by calling Finz & Finz P.C. at 855-TOP-FIRM or by reaching out to us online.