The Department of Labor estimates that more than 150,000 construction-related accidents occur each year in the United States, many of which are roofing accidents on job sites. Because the construction industry is associated with a number of hazards, including scaffolding and other elevated structures like roofs, at least one out of every ten construction workers will report an injury annually, and at least 1,000 construction workers will be killed in on-the-job accidents each year. If you have been injured in a roofing accident in Georgia, or if you lost a loved one in such as accident, contact our roofing accident lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss your options for legal recourse. Our law firm is located in Atlanta, and our experienced attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
Types of Roofing Accidents in Georgia
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established federal regulations intended to reduce the risk of roofing accidents on construction sites. Unfortunately, avoidable factors like ignored safety measures, negligent site supervisors, inadequate safety equipment, and defective materials or equipment may be to blame for roofing accidents in Georgia and across the country. Some of the most common types of roofing accidents in GA include:
- Falls through holes
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective safety equipment
- Roof collapse
- Falls from ladders
Injuries Caused by Marietta Roofing Accidents
When construction site supervisors and managers fail to protect the safety of their workers, the results can be devastating. Some common injuries caused by roofing accidents in Atlanta include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
- Knee injuries
Avoiding Roofing Accidents on the Job Site
The goal of OSHA is to implement safety precautions for all construction sites to follow in order to minimize the injury and fatality caused by roofing accidents and other construction site accidents. Some helpful tips for preventing roofing accident injuries on Georgia construction sites include the following:
- Remove any slipping hazards from the roof prior to working, and be sure to wear slip-resistant shoes
- Be cautious of items on a roof that could cause an impalement hazard
- Avoid working on a roof in high winds and storms
- Install guardrails or cover and secure skylights and other openings
Pursuing Compensation for Atlanta Roofing Accidents
In most cases, construction workers injured on the job can pursue compensation for their injuries and medical bills by filing a workers’ compensation claim with their employer’s insurance carrier. Unfortunately, some valid workers’ compensation claims are rejected by insurance claims adjusters simply because they want to save the company money. Under these circumstances, enlisting the help of a qualified workers’ compensation attorney is key to pursuing the reimbursement you are entitled to. Workers injured in roofing accidents may be entitled to additional compensation by filing a third-party liability claim if their injuries were caused by a third party not employed by their employer. For instance, if a roofing accident is caused by defective equipment, the equipment manufacturer may be held liable for the construction accident victims’ injuries.
Contact Our Roofing Accident Lawyers Today
Roofing accidents are a common cause of construction injuries in Georgia and across the United States. According to OSHA estimates, fatalities from falls are the leading cause of workplace deaths in the construction industry, with about 40 deaths due to falls from residential roofs occurring every year. If you have suffered injuries caused by a roofing accident in Atlanta, Marietta, or elsewhere in Georgia, contact our workers’ compensation attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak as soon as possible. Our roofing accident lawyers are extremely familiar with GA workers’ compensation laws, and have years of experience helping injured workers pursue compensation for their roofing accident injuries across the state. With a skilled roofing accident lawyer on their side, victims of on-the-job injuries can protect their legal rights and seek fair and timely reimbursement for their injuries.