Construction is already a relatively dangerous job, which exposes workers to certain risks on a daily basis. Therefore, every safety precaution should be taken to ensure that workers are not at an even greater risk of accidental injury. Sadly, accidents continue to happen on the job, many of which could have been avoided through proper procedures and workplace regulations.
Falls from roofs are some of the most common and deadly construction accidents. If these accidents are at all caused by faulty equipment or poor workplace practices, injured workers may be able to receive full compensation. Consider the dangers of rooftop falls and how our Indianapolis construction accident attorneys can help.
Risks of Rooftop Falls
Falls are the leading cause of construction site fatalities in the United States, accounting for one out of every three deaths. In fact, the number of deaths from falls rose dramatically between 2003 and 2007 – an indication that construction sites do not always comply with federal and state regulations for workplace safety. Even a minor fall can have dire consequences: in 2013, 21 percent of fatalities from workplace falls occurred from a fall of less than 10 feet.
When a fall is not deadly, workers are still likely to sustain significant injuries, including:
- Back injury
- Spinal injury and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Head trauma
- Brain damage
In Indiana alone, 930 workers missed work due to injuries from falling in 2008. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined regulations for construction work, including specific regulations for working on roofs, such as guardrails and safety nets. If you are the victim of negligent workplace practices, contacting the right personal injury attorneys can save you a great deal of money and trouble.
Why Might Someone Be Held Responsible?
No one wants accidents to happen, but there are certainly instances when employers or building owners neglect their duty to provide a safe work environment. In the following cases, you may be entitled to compensation for someone else’s disregard for roofing safety standards:
- Lack of safety nets or harnesses
- Lack of guardrails
- Lack of secure brackets or hooks
- Loose shingles
- Poorly functioning ladders or scaffolding
- Falling equipment or objects
- A collapsed roof
- Openings in the roof
- Broken skylights
When an accident occurs, business and building owners are often quick to contact their own attorneys. If you are not quick to react, evidence of the accident may be altered or witnesses pulled aside before they can give an unbiased account. By having your own attorney on the scene, your case can be more fairly represented.
The Benefits of Workers’ Compensation
Serious injuries can result in a great deal of medical expenses and personal frustration. When someone else is at fault for a construction accident atop a roof, you deserve to have greater peace of mind in your recovery. Workers compensation can allot you reimbursement for medical care, both directly following the accident and ongoing care. This may include any necessary physical therapy, doctor visits, and medications. Additionally, you can be compensated for missed wages due to lack of work, whether temporary or permanent. Our attorneys will investigate
Learn More about Construction Accidents
We’re here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office to get additional information on construction accidents or to meet with one of our attorneys.