Construction worker building a home roof

Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Roofing Accidents

Construction is one of the most dangerous job industries. There are so many elements involved, such as electricity, heights, tools and machinery. One of the most dangerous is heights, particularly roofing. Working on a roof is no easy task, especially when inclement weather is involved. One of the biggest concerns for roofers is traumatic brain injuries.

The construction industry has the highest rate of brain injuries. Between 2003 and 2010, 2,210 construction workers died from brain injuries. Falls from roofs, ladders and other heights accounted for more than half of brain injuries. Statistics show that workers in small companies (fewer than 20 employees) were more than twice as likely to suffer a brain injury. The rate of brain injury is four times greater for older workers (over the age of 65) than for younger workers. In addition, men were seven times more likely to suffer a brain injury than women.

Roof Safety Hazards

There are many dangers present on a roof. The roof may be unstable, causing you to fall through. Roofs sometimes have holes in them to make room for skylights. It is important that roofers are aware of these holes so they can avoid them and serious injury.

Weather conditions such as ice and snow can make roof work especially dangerous. The pitch, or steepness, of a roof can also make climbing up and down a challenge. Lack of training is also an issue.

Another thing to consider is that roofers sometimes get so caught up in their work that they lose track of the edge of the roof. They suddenly fall off, causing serious injuries.

Common Roofing Injuries

Roofing is a very risky job. A fall can lead to many injuries, with some serious enough to lead to lifelong disability or even death.

Broken bones are common roofing injuries. A fall can cause a worker to land on his back, breaking his spine. If a person falls and lands on their side, they may break their arms, ribs or even their neck. Even if a person falls and lands on their feet, the sheer impact of falling from such a great height can lead to broken ankles, feet and legs.

Back injuries are also commonly sustained among this population. Not only can falls cause back injuries, but so can heavy lifting and carrying heavy object up and down ladders. This can cause you to blow out a disk, which can be very painful. Try not to overdo it. Remember to lift with your legs and not your back.

Repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel are also common among roofers. Roofers tend to engage in the same activity—hammering nails—and this can lead to painful conditions such as nerve problems and tendinitis.

Finally, puncture wounds are another common injuries. Nails are commonly used to hold roofing material onto the roof. These nails can sometimes enter the body. Sometimes roofers step on these nails. In some cases, they accidentally hammer themselves. This can lead to puncture wounds, which can be severe, depending on the body part and length of the nail.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are often overlooked, but they are common hazards associated with roofing. Roofers are construction workers who are the closest to the sun, making sunburns and strokes a common occurrence. Wearing sunscreen is vital, as is staying properly hydrated and seeking shade when needed.

Sadly, traumatic brain injuries are unfortunately common, as well. A blow to the head can cause significant brain damage. Since the brain controls everything in the body, from your senses to your emotions, even a minor injury can lead to long-term consequences. A traumatic brain injury can leave someone paralyzed for the rest of their life. They may be unable to walk or talk. They may have trouble expressing feelings. They may not be able to do any daily tasks on their own, such as eating, bathing or dressing. Medical care for someone with a brain injury can cost millions of dollars. Most patients are unable to afford this cost, which is why it is important to seek legal help if you suffered a brain injury in a roofing accident.

Get Legal Help from a Brooklyn Brain Injury Attorney

A roofing accident can cause brain injuries, which can cause a person to suffer physically and emotionally for the rest of their life. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to hold the negligent party liable for their actions.

Brain injury attorney Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum will assess your case and determine your rights to compensation. You may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Schedule a consultation today by calling our Brooklyn office at (718) 237-5586.