At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we have helped accident victims
and their loved ones around the greater Sacramento. The people of Northern
California know that our personal injury lawyers will fight diligently
for clients in even complex litigation, whether the claim involves negligent
individuals or irresponsible companies.
With serious accidents and injuries in mind, we would like to consider the nature of roof accidents and what these are all about.
How likely are falls off of roofs?
They can be more likely than you think given all of the hazards that roofing or general work on the roof can entail.
Many times when working on roofs, the surfaces are at an angle rather than flat, which makes footing more treacherous for workers if they are not careful. In addition, placing guardrails or toeboards on a roof is unlikely simply given nature of the work involved, and working on elevated platforms or using special lifters may not be feasible at the work site.
Common Causes of Falls from Roofs
Some of the most common causes of falls from roofs include:
- Poor footing
- Missteps while negotiating the roof
- Slippery surfaces
- Slipping on a tool or loose object
- Foreign objects left on the roof
- Bad weather and strong wind
- Miscommunication between co-workers
Injuries That May Be Sustained from Roof Falls
When a person falls from a roof, the following kinds of injuries may occur:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Sprained or dislocated joints
- Severe bruises and cuts
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal injuries
Pedestrians and Passersby Can Be Injured as Well
While workers are certainly as risk of serious harm if they fall off roofs, pedestrians and passersby may also be severely harmed by a fall from a roof. Workers dropping onto bystanders can lead to major injuries to both individuals, particularly if the fall is from a major height.
Safety Precautions Should Always Be Taken
When working on roofs, workers should take extra precautions to ensure that they are less likely to fall. This includes wearing proper shoes and footwear to improve traction on a sloped surface. When possible, safety lines or harnesses should be worn in order to stop falling individuals and prevent severe injuries. Safety nets are also a potential precaution if they can be placed safely given the nature of the job.
For the sake and safety of pedestrians, the space below a roof or ledge that is being worked on should be free from regular pedestrians and other unauthorized personnel. This precaution protects non-workers from coming to any harm.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
Following a major injury due to a fall from a roof, it's important to speak with an attorney about your legal options.
If negligence was at play, our legal team will hold the worker(s) and/or their construction company/employer accountable for their irresponsible disregard for safety. In addition, we will be sure to seek reforms that prevent serious accidents like this occurring again. Injured workers can also seek how assistance if they were wrongfully refused worker's compensation coverage for their injuries.
Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley
To learn more about you legal options following a serious construction accident, it's important that you contact our personal injury law firm today. We at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley will help you in your time of legal need, making sure you receive just compensation for your injuries.