The Fort Lauderdale roofing accident lawyers at Anidjar & Levine are committed to helping victims of roofing accidents caused by the negligence of others. We are recognized leaders in the field of workers’ compensation law, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for injured victims in Fort Lauderdale and other areas of Florida.
Roofing accidents are common in the construction industry. Because roofing jobs often require the use of a ladder, falls from either the roof or ladder are the leading cause of injury in these accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 150,000 Americans require emergency medical treatment for roofing-related injuries each year. More than 97% of all roofing and ladder accidents happen at home, such as when people try to install or repair their own roofs. Because the severity of the fall increases the higher you are off the ground, falls during roofing accidents cause catastrophic, disabling injuries and even death. That is why the Home Safety Council says that “falls are by far the leading cause of home injury deaths.” Examples of injuries caused by roofing accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Severe sprains
- Cuts, lacerations
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limbs and amputation
- Heat and chemical burns
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Injury to the back and upper torso
If you suffered a catastrophic injury caused by a roof fall and doctors had to amputate a limb, you might seek compensation for your losses. Talk to our amputation lawyers to understand your rights and legal options. They will explain to you the benefits you could expect from a workers’ comp claim. On the other hand, you need legal counsel if you also consider a personal injury lawsuit or claim for your amputation against one or more liable parties. Your attorney will tell you everything you need to know and do to strengthen your case.
In a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than four-fifths of the workers interviewed said their employers failed to provide fall protection in the areas in which they were working. Those that were provided with fall protection either disconnected their safety devices to move around more freely, or were not working in the immediate area where guard rails were in place. Therefore, both workers and employers need to use safer work procedures to prevent future roofing accidents and injuries. Accordingly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its standards relating to the hazards of falls.
OSHA regulates the safety and health of roofing and other construction workers through a host of specific standards related to activities on rooftops, ladders, and scaffolds. Under a new rule, employers would have more latitude in selecting the most appropriate type of fall protection for the particular circumstances. However, employers and workers must periodically inspect ladders and other roofing equipment for visible defects, and after any incident that could affect their safe use. OSHA violations may result in civil and criminal fines.
Florida’s workers’ compensation laws provide another avenue for injured workers to recover benefits for work-related injuries, including roofing accidents. The Florida Statutes require construction industry employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage if they have one or more employees. Florida’s workers’ compensation laws establish an accident insurance program that provides medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits to employees injured “in the course and scope of” employment. Injured workers are entitled to medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital bills, prescriptions, and other continuing treatment as the injury requires. They can also recover lost income and other disability benefits amounting to a portion of their average weekly wage. Most benefits depend upon the nature and extent of the injury.
If you were injured in a roofing accident, the experienced Fort Lauderdale roofing accident attorneys at Anidjar & Levine can help. We have extensive experience defending workers and individuals injured by the negligence of others. Whether your claim involves workers’ compensation benefits or product liability damages, we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Our firm has successfully handled all types of cases involving roofing accidents, defective ladders, OSHA violations, and unpaid workers’ compensation claims. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to injured parties throughout Florida. Call 800-747-3733 or contact us online.