New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for Roofers

Roofing commonly ranks among the top ten most dangerous jobs in the United States. In 2018, 96 roofers lost their lives in on-the-job accidents, and thousands more suffered injuries. 

Roofing professionals depend on their hard work and skills to provide for themselves and their families. A workplace injury turns these plans upside-down – leaving you and your family uncertain and worried about how you’ll pay the bills and put food on the table. 

If you’ve been injured while working as a roofer, don’t wait. Contact an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer today. The team at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm is here to help. 

Common Types of On-The-Job Injuries for Roofers

Roofing is one of the top three most dangerous jobs in the United States. In 2020, 108 roofing contractors and workers died from a work-related injury while on a roofing job. In 2019 and 2021, the number was even higher. 

Roofing contractors and laborers can suffer many types of injuries at work. The most common injury types for roofers include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck & Shoulder injuries
• Fractures
• Crush injuries
• Knee, ankle, foot and leg injuries, including torn ligaments
• Eye injuries
• Amputations
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Injuries from Falling Objects
• Death

Any of these injuries can cause serious pain, and the results may be long-lasting, life-altering, and permanent. Roofers can also suffer other types of injuries. Workers’ compensation is intended to help protect roofing workers who are injured on the job. 

How Are Roofers Injured at Work in New Jersey?

Roofing workers are at a higher risk of certain injury situations. These include:

• Falls, especially falls from a height, can cause serious injuries,
• Muscle and skeleton injuries, like strains, sprains, and repetitive stress injuries, 
• Injury and illness resulting from working conditions, such as exposure to the elements, hazardous materials, or toxic chemicals / fumes, etc.,
• Malfunctioning tools can cause injuries or lead to other harmful situations, including a fall. 

Roofers may also be injured by falling loads, crushed or pinned between objects or within equipment, or harmed in other ways while they’re on the job. In some cases, the roof may even collapse, exposing workers to serious risks or even death. 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for New Jersey Roofers

Workers’ compensation protects New Jersey employees who are injured while in the course of employment, or develop an occupational illness while on the job. These benefits are paid by workers’ compensation insurance or an employer’s self-insurance fund. New Jersey law requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage or to self-insure. 

Workers’ compensation coverage in New Jersey includes five different types of benefits. Not all of these benefits are needed in every workers’ compensation case. Benefits include:

• Medical benefits for the costs of treating your injury or illness,
• Temporary disability benefits for support while you recover from an injury or illness,
• Permanent partial disability benefits if your ability to work is restricted even after your injuries have healed,
• Permanent total disability benefits if you cannot work at all after your injury, and
• Death benefits for the families of workers who suffer fatal on-the-job accidents. 

In addition, an injured worker may have a third-party claim against another company or person who caused the injury. For example, if you’re injured on a roofing job by a defective power tool, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the power tool. You may be able to bring a third party claim due to another party’s negligence, in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. 

Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you were injured while on-the-job as a roofer or, sadly, lost a loved one who was working as a roofer, you’re undoubtedly facing difficult, uncertain times – but you don’t have to do it alone. The workers’ compensation lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm understand the challenges you face and want to help protect your rights. We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident while on the job.

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.