Roofing Accidents

Wheaton and Schaumburg Lawyers for Workers’ Compensation Claims

 

Roofing in an extremely dangerous profession, mainly because it is easy for workers to fall from significant heights if proper precautions are not taken. Besides the fact that workers have to work at dangerous heights, ­a number of other factors can increase the likelihood of a roofing accident as well, such as falling debris, poorly maintained roofs, and adverse weather. If you’ve been hurt recently in a roofing accident at work, a skilled Wheaton and Schaumburg workers’ compensation attorney can help you explore your legal options. With our background and experience, we can answer your questions and guide you through the process of seeking benefits.

 

Roofing Accident Statistics
 
Sadly, roofing accidents are extremely common. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Safety Research, one-third of all fall-related construction deaths took place because of a roofing accident. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that roofers are six times more likely to suffer deadly workplace accidents than the average worker. In addition, the BLS found that for every 100,000 roofing workers, almost 24 are killed in fall accidents each year and 52 suffer non-fatal but serious injuries.
 
Seeking Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Roofing Accident
 
All employers have a legal responsibility to take reasonable and necessary measures to provide a safe working environment for their employees. If a roofing injury took place while you were working, you can potentially file a workers’ compensation claim that will cover certain benefits. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (IWCA) covers all injuries and illnesses that are caused – in whole or part – by an employee’s work. It is important to note that workers’ compensation is generally available to injured workers regardless of fault.
 
Under the Illinois workers’ compensation system, an injured worker may qualify for the following benefits:
 
  • Medical benefits: all medical expenses that are reasonably necessary for the care and treatment of the work-related injury or illness are covered.
  • Disability benefits: there are a number of different types of disability benefits, and the specific one you may be entitled to will depend on the nature and extent of the harm suffered.
  • Vocational rehabilitation benefits: these benefits are often paid to injured workers to help them partake in programs and training that help them transition back to the job they were doing before they were injured or to a new job altogether.
  • Death benefits: these benefits are paid to survivors or dependants of a worker who dies as a result of an on-the-job injury or illness.

Third Party Claims

 

While workers’ compensation is generally the sole remedy for work injuries, meaning that you usually cannot sue for a workplace accident, there is an exception to this rule if a third party caused your harm. A third party is a party other than your employer or co-worker who may have caused your injury. In such cases, the injured worker may be able to file a negligence claim against that third party to seek damages beyond what would be available through a workers’ compensation claim, and a knowledgeable work injury lawyer can help. In other words, third party claims may provide monetary damages that are for a greater dollar amount than the workers’ compensation benefits allotted for the same injury. For example, pain and suffering benefits are not allowed under the IWCA. However, if a third party caused your injury, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering.

 

Seasoned Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving Schaumburg and Wheaton

 

Unfortunately, roofing accidents are a common occurrence on both commercial and residential construction sites. If you have been injured in a roofing accident while you were working in Schaumburg or Wheaton, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. At Therman Law Offices, our seasoned workers’ compensation lawyers can analyze the facts of your case and help you understand your legal rights and options. We represent clients from Norwood Park, Edison Park, Harwood Heights, Elmwood Park, Park Ridge, Norridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, and Mt. Prospect in workers’ compensation claim and appeal matters. For a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your case, please call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.

 

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Chicago 773-839-8944
Wheaton & Schaumburg 847-744-8400

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