Roofers spend nearly all of their working hours at elevated heights. This significantly increases their risk of severe injury and death. In fact, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers roofing one of the most dangerous industries to work in. If you have been critically injured in a work accident, John Foy & Associates is here to help with your workers’ compensation claims for roofers in Atlanta. Our team can guide you through the claims process and handle the insurance company if your claim is initially denied. Contact our office for a free consultation today to learn more about what’s next for your workers’ comp claim.
Working at heights is an inherent risk for Atlanta roofers, and on-the-job injuries can be severe. If you have been injured while roofing, securing a seasoned Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer is a critical step to protect your rights and ensure your case is handled properly.
Compensation for Roofer’s Work Injuries
Most roofers are aware that their profession is inherently dangerous. However, as much as 75% of roofers who suffer fatal injuries do so by falling off the roof they are repairing. Approximately 10% of roofers suffering fatal injuries are electrocuted.
These types of accidents generally occur due to the following:
- Lack of safety precautions
- Lack of safety equipment
- Unskilled labor
- Lack of proper training
- Lack of supervision
- Equipment and machinery malfunctions
Thankfully, those who survive roofer work accidents may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The surviving family members of roofers who pass away from fatal injuries can also collect workers’ compensation benefits.
However, that does not mean the insurance company will settle your claim fairly. You can expect a denial of your claim, as the insurance company prioritizes protecting its financial interests. With help from your workers’ compensation attorney for roofers, you can ensure the insurer upholds their financial obligations.
Our legal team at John Foy & Associates respects the hard work of Atlanta’s roofing professionals and is ready to offer top-notch legal assistance. Should you sustain an injury, our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are dedicated to advocating for your well-being and rightful compensation.
Common Types of Roofing Accident Injuries
Roofing accident injuries are increasingly common. While most roofers suffer immediate injuries due to an incident or accident on the job, others struggle with the progression of an injury or illness.
For example, a minor back injury that goes unnoticed initially could progress to a debilitating spinal cord injury. Roofers might also slowly develop illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances over the years. With that in mind, here are some of the most common types of roofing accident injuries that may warrant workers’ comp benefits:
- Broken bone injuries, including pelvic, arm, leg, and head fractures
- Puncture wounds caused by accidentally hammering a nail into the hand, stepping on a nail, or nail gun malfunctions
- Traumatic brain injuries are caused when a roofer falls from elevated heights or collides with heavy machinery or equipment
- Spinal cord injuries, compression fractures, and other types of vertebrae fractures could lead to paralysis
- Exposure to fumes through chemicals, asphalt shingles, and other on-the-job items, such as tarring products
- Back injuries caused by working long hours, twisting, or heavy lifting
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as pinched nerves and carpal tunnel syndrome
These are just a few types of work injuries roofers could experience. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a different kind of roofing accident injury, you may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. You can discuss your options further with your workers’ compensation attorney at John Foy & Associates.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When roofers are involved in other job accidents, multiple types of workers’ compensation benefits can be paid out by their employer’s insurance company. These benefits can include the following:
Wage Replacement Benefits
Generally, the insurance company will be required to compensate you for a portion of your lost income. This will typically amount to approximately two-thirds of your average weekly salary. However, the severity of your injury and other factors could impact the amount you receive.
There is also a cap on the total amount of workers’ compensation disability benefits, regardless of your income. This amount can change annually.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are designed to cover the cost of your education and job training if your injuries will prevent you from returning to work as a roofer. If you need to find work in another industry, you may need to return to school or obtain further education to advance your career. The insurance company will be expected to cover these costs.
Coverage of Your Medical Expenses
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider will be expected to cover all of your medical expenses related to your work injuries. This will include not only your ambulance bills and the cost of your hospital stay. If you require ongoing medical treatment or assistance completing daily living activities, these costs should all be taken care of for you.
Death Benefits
If you are the loved one of a roofer who suffered fatal on-the-job injuries, the insurance company will cover your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses. Additionally, they will provide you and your children with death benefits designed to replace a portion of the decedent’s lost income.
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How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Roofers Can Help
Your Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney is here to help you hold the insurance company accountable and recover the benefits that you deserve. However, your employer and their insurance company may attempt to convince you not to file a claim or fight back when you do. You can rely on your workers’ comp lawyer to:
- Make sure you receive fair compensation and benefits
- Ensure your workers’ comp claim is handled fairly
- Fight back when the insurance company unjustly denies your claim
We will also scrutinize the details of your case to determine whether you have the right to file a third-party liability lawsuit against the liable party. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid without regard to liability.
However, if someone else is responsible for causing your injuries due to negligence or inaction, you might have the opportunity to seek compensation beyond the benefits provided by workers’ comp.
Contact an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Roofers Today
Roofers are entitled to financial compensation and benefits when they suffer work-related injuries. When you need help with your workers’ compensation claim for roofers, but do not know where to turn, do not hesitate to contact John Foy & Associates.
Our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help you recover the benefits you are entitled to. Find out more about how workers’ comp works for roofers when you complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
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