How Common Are Roofing Accidents?

Roofing accidents are alarmingly common and often severe. In 2023, over 7,000 roofing contractors suffered workplace injuries, and more than 100 roofers died from falls, slips, and other hazards. This makes roofing one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.

If you work in roofing, you already know the risks are real. Even with strict safety protocols, accidents still happen and often lead to serious injuries or death.

When you sustain injuries in a roofing accident, it affects more than just you. Your family may face lost income, rising medical bills, and the stress of uncertainty about the future. Our construction accident lawyers can evaluate your situation and explain your rights.

At AK Law, our roofing accident attorneys help injured roofers and their families navigate the legal process. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.

Here’s a breakdown of some roofing accident statistics:

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the stark reality facing roofing workers:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2016:

• Over 10,350 construction workers suffered serious injuries due to falls.
• 124 deaths occurred from falls off roofs alone.

Roofing accidents are not limited to falls. Between 2011 and 2023, 38 roofers also died from electrical accidents.

These statistics make it clear that roofing is a high-risk occupation. Every time a roofer climbs atop a building, there is a real possibility of an accident that could cause severe injury or even death. Employers and contractors are legally obligated to follow OSHA regulations (like providing fall protection and training) to minimize these risks. When they fail, they may be held liable for the consequences.

If you’ve suffered injuries while roofing, a workplace accident lawyer can help you use these facts to support your case and seek appropriate compensation.

Common Roofing Accident Injuries

Roofing accidents can result in a range of serious injuries, many of which are among the most common workplace injuries across the construction industry. High falls, heavy tools, sharp materials, and electrical hazards mean that when a roofer gets hurt, the injuries are often severe. These injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) — Head injuries are extremely common in roof falls. In fact, about 31% of all roof-fall accidents involve head injuries. These can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries or hemorrhages. A blow to the head (from hitting the ground or being struck by an object during a fall) can cause lifelong cognitive impairment, coma, or even be fatal. Many fatal roofing falls are due to head trauma.
• Broken Bones & Fractures — Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or skull often happen when falling from a roof or ladder. Many roof falls cause broken bones or injuries, especially to extremities like arms and legs. Common fractures include broken wrists, shattered ankles, or broken legs. Some require surgery, pins, or long rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord, Neck, & Back Injuries — A fall from height can cause spinal cord injuries like herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even paralysis. Neck injuries (whiplash or cervical spine fractures) are also possible if the roofer lands headfirst or on their back. These injuries can cause chronic pain or permanent disability.
• Internal Organ Damage — High-impact falls or being struck by heavy objects can injure internal organs. For instance, a roofer falling on their chest or abdomen might suffer broken ribs, lung bruising, or abdominal injuries. These often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening.
• Severe Lacerations & Amputations — Roofing work involves power tools (like saws, nail guns) and materials (metal flashing, glass skylights) that can cause deep cuts or even traumatic amputations. A slip of a power tool or a fall through a skylight can lead to life-altering injuries such as severed fingers or deep wounds with significant blood loss.
• Electrocution Injuries — Contact with live wires can cause burns, nerve damage, or cardiac arrest. Roofers near power lines or using metal ladders/tools risk electric shock. Survivors of electrocution accidents may suffer severe burns and organ damage.
• Burns & Fire Injuries — Roofing sometimes involves hot tar, torches, or other heat sources (e.g., torch-applied roofing at over 2,000°F). There’s a risk of fire-related injuries or serious burns if things go wrong. Chemical burns can also occur from caustic adhesives or solvents used in roofing.

Some workers recover and return to light duties within weeks, while others may require months of treatment or be unable to return to roofing work at all.

Given the high stakes, it’s natural to wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer after a serious roofing accident?” If your injuries are significant, it’s wise to consult an attorney. If you’re in California, San Diego construction accident lawyers can review what happened and explain your legal options, including how to cover your medical expenses, recoup lost wages, and plan for future needs if you can’t return to your prior job.

Roofing Hazards Beyond Falls

Falls are the most well-known roofing danger, but other risks that may cause construction injury include:

• Extreme Weather — Extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind can lead to heatstroke, hypothermia, or slips.
• Unstable Structures — Old or damaged roofs may collapse or cause falling debris that injures workers.
• Poor Training — Lack of proper training increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the job.
• Power Tools & Equipment Failures — Defective or improperly used tools, ladders, and heavy equipment can lead to crushing or cutting injuries.
• Chemical Exposure — Strong roofing chemicals can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs if workers are not protected. Chemical exposure can lead to a number of complications.
• Electricity — Contact with live wires can cause electric shock, burns, or fires.
• Fatigue — Long shifts in extreme conditions increase the risk of mistakes, health problems, and serious accidents.
• Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — Missing harnesses, helmets, gloves, or eye protection often leads to severe injuries when incidents occur.

Attorneys handling workers’ compensation claims can investigate whether any oversight contributed to the hazards that caused your accident.

Roofing Accidents Involving Work Vehicles

Roofing accidents don’t always happen on rooftops. In some cases, they involve motor vehicles:

• Transporting Materials & Equipment — Work trucks or delivery vehicles carrying roofing supplies can cause severe accidents, similar to cases of wrongful death following another deadly crash involving autopilot, where liability may involve multiple parties. Such collisions can occur when vehicles are overloaded, poorly secured, or operated unsafely.
• Falling Debris — Tools or materials that fall from roofs or vehicles can create dangerous road hazards, leading to serious crashes.
• Job Site Traffic — Construction zones often involve multiple vehicles. Limited space and poor traffic control can increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

These incidents often involve several parties, including contractors, drivers, and property owners. Since liability can be complex, working with car accident lawyers familiar with construction-related cases can help victims understand their options.

FAQ: Your Roofing Accident Legal Questions Answered

Roofing accidents raise many questions, especially when injuries lead to missed work, medical bills, and legal concerns. Below, we answer some of the most common questions our injury lawyers receive from victims and their families.

What Is The Leading Cause Of Roofing Accidents?

Falls from heights are the leading cause of roofing injuries and deaths. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that falls account for one-third of all construction fatalities. They were responsible for 421 of 1,075 deaths in the industry in 2023.

Common factors leading to roofing falls include:

• Unprotected roof edges, wall openings, or floor holes.
• Improperly built scaffolding.
• Misused or unstable ladders.
• Unguarded protruding steel rebars.

A lack of training and proper safety gear often contributes to these incidents. While OSHA sets rules to prevent such accidents, they only work when employers enforce them and maintain safe job sites.

Can I File A Lawsuit After A Roofing Injury?

Yes, depending on how your accident happened and who’s at fault, you may be able to take legal action in addition to receiving workers’ compensation.

• Workers’ Compensation — If you’re an employee injured on the job, you can usually file a workers’ comp claim. It’s a no-fault system that covers medical costs, part of your lost wages, and disability benefits. You can’t sue your employer directly, but you should report the injury and file your claim as soon as possible.
• Third-Party Lawsuits — You can sue other parties whose negligence caused your injury, such as:
  • Subcontractors or other companies that created hazards. An accident attorney can pursue claims when another crew’s negligence, unsafe work practices, or ignoring safety rules causes injuries.
  • Property owners who failed to fix dangerous roof conditions. A premises liability injury attorney can seek liability when owners fail to fix hazards like weak roofs, hidden dangers, or poor maintenance.
  • Equipment manufacturers whose defective tools or safety gear failed. A product liability injury lawyer can take action when defective ladders, harnesses, tools, or other equipment cause injuries.
  • Other parties, like delivery companies or general contractors.

Third-party claims can sometimes provide recovery beyond what workers’ compensation offers. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand which legal options apply to your situation.

What Types Of Compensation May Be Available In A Roofing Accident Lawsuit?

The compensation available in a roofing accident lawsuit varies based on the facts of the case and the severity of the injuries. Possible damages may include:

• Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Income — Wages lost during recovery and potential future earning losses.
• Rehabilitation Costs — Physical therapy and vocational retraining.
• Pain and Suffering — Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Disability or Disfigurement — Long-term or permanent injuries that affect quality of life.
• Property Damage — Repair or replacement of personal items damaged in the accident.

In 2023, the average cost of a medically consulted injury was about $43,000, while the average cost of a fatal injury was around $1,460,000. This NSC report estimates include lost wages, medical bills, administrative expenses, and employer costs, but exclude most property damage other than motor vehicles.

A work injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and explain which types of compensation may apply.

What If I Am Labeled As An Independent Contractor?

You might still qualify for benefits even if your employer classified you as an independent contractor. Misclassification is common in construction, and workers who are treated like employees may be legally considered employees. Signs of misclassification include:

• The employer controls your schedule.
• The employer provides tools and materials.
• You work exclusively or mainly for one company.

State laws vary. Some states recognize certain rights for contractors, while others do not. An injury attorney can review your work arrangement and explain your options based on your state’s laws.

How Long Do I Have To File A Roofing Injury Claim In California?

Deadlines for filing a roofing injury claim in California depend on the type of claim. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the eligibility to pursue benefits or compensation.

• Workers’ Compensation — You generally have one year from the date of injury, or from the date you discovered the injury, to file a claim. Workers’ compensation attorneys can help you understand applicable deadlines based on the specifics of your case.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits — You typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit against a third party (e.g., subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, etc).

Since deadlines can be affected by the details of your case, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. A workplace injury lawyer can review your situation and explain the timelines that apply to you.

Consult A Roofing Accident Lawyer

Roofing injuries can change your life in seconds, and knowing when to hire a construction accident attorney can help you protect your rights. Our lawyers can review your case and guide you through your legal options after a roofing accident.

To make the process easier, we:

• Offer Free Consultations — Learn about your options without any upfront cost.
• Follow a “No Win, No Fee” Policy — Pay legal fees only if we recover compensation for you.
• Provide Multilingual Legal Support — Our team assists clients in Spanish, Farsi, Korean, Filipino, Italian, Hebrew, and more.

Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free case review.

Our AK Team includes skilled attorneys like Tina Eshghieh and car accident lawyers who are familiar with OSHA standards, property owner responsibilities, and third-party liability laws. We understand the complexities of roofing accident claims and work to protect your rights throughout your case.

We will investigate the circumstances of the incident, identify all potentially liable parties, and explain the legal options that may be available to you. You may also receive free advice from an accident lawyer who describes how your case is being handled and what steps are to be taken next.

In addition, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Dog bites
• Catastrophic injuries
• Truck collisions
• Pedestrian incidents
• Bicycle crashes
• Motorcycle accidents
• Uber and Lyft crashes