Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades in the construction industry. Falls, collapsing decking, heavy materials, exposure to the elements, and dangerous chemicals place roofers at constant risk. When an injured worker suffers harm during roofing projects, the physical and financial impacts are immediate. Medical care becomes urgent, and missed paychecks create real strain on your self-esteem and your family.
The deck is stacked against injured workers, but Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers is here to level the playing field. As one of the largest and most-respected workers’ compensation firms in South Carolina, we understand the seriousness of roofing injuries. We’re proud to have secured $478,000 for a roofer who suffered multiple injuries, including a brain injury, after falling from a roof. We battled to win $187,728 and lifetime medical coverage for an employee who injured his neck while performing roof repairs at a chemical facility. We also got $150,000 for a man who broke his ankle after falling from a roof. These workers’ compensation outcomes, just a small sample of our results, show how severe these workplace injuries can be and why having quality legal representation can make all the difference.
In South Carolina, the workers’ compensation system exists to protect injured employees, replace wages, and cover medical treatment. Sadly, due to confusion and complexity, many workers get cheated out of their fair share. Since roofers face some of the highest injury rates in the state, you deserve clear information about your rights and the steps you need to take to protect them after an injury.
Why Roofers Face Some of the Highest Workplace Risks
Roofers work in one of the most dangerous environments in the construction industry, and the statistics make that reality impossible to ignore. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that construction consistently ranks among the highest-fatality sectors, with over 1,000 deaths in 2023, and falls remain one of the most frequent and deadly hazards. Transportation incidents and struck-by events are major contributors, but falls, from roofs, ladders, and elevated structures, continue to account for a large share of fatal and severe injuries on construction sites.
A recent medical review published by the National Library of Medicine offers a closer look at the seriousness of roof-related falls. Among 75 patients who fell from roofs:
- 93% required hospitalization
- ⅓ needed ICU care
- 76% required surgery
- Upper-limb fractures were the most common injury.
These numbers highlight an important truth: roofing injuries may not always be fatal, but they are often life-altering, with long recovery periods, high medical costs, and extended time away from work.
How South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Applies to Roofer Injuries
South Carolina workers’ compensation rules generally apply to all businesses with four or more employees, which includes most roofing companies, roofing contractors, and construction businesses. By law, these employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees. Because the system is “no-fault”, the injured worker does not need to prove the employer did anything wrong to collect benefits. It only matters that the injury occurred while at work or was work-related.
Most Frequent Roofing Injuries That Lead to Workers’ Compensation Claims
Roofing accidents often create injuries that require extended medical treatment and time away from work. The most common injuries we see in roofing businesses and construction workers include:
- Broken bones, especially ankles, wrists, and ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries from strikes or falls
- Spinal injuries from sudden drops
- Burns from hot tar or sealants
- Chemical exposure
- Crush injuries from falling materials
- Joint disorders, like knee and shoulder injuries from repetitive motion
These injuries also lead to prolonged recovery periods and wage replacement claims. Many roofers can only return to work with restrictions in place. Some are unable to return to roofing at all. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to support injured workers during these transitions. Unfortunately, getting the benefits you’re owed isn’t always easy.
Why Employment Status Matters in Roofing Work
One common tactic companies use to avoid paying rightful workers’ comp benefits is labeling employees as “independent contractors.” The idea is that since independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ comp, the business can get off scot-free if they become injured. However, just because your boss calls you an independent contractor doesn’t mean you are one. In fact, the label does not decide workers’ compensation eligibility. South Carolina looks at the actual relationship, including whether the employer has control over the workers’ hours, equipment, pay, and job duties.
If a roofer works under the company’s supervision, uses company tools, and follows assigned schedules, the roofer is an employee, even if the paperwork says something different. In addition to employment status, in roofing, there are often multiple contractors involved in each project, sometimes leading to ambiguity over which workers’ compensation policy a worker is covered by.
This issue shows up often in the roofing industry, and one recent example involved a Myrtle Beach roofer whose claim was initially complicated by unclear subcontractor relationships, cash payments, and questions surrounding who his actual employer was. After he fell more than 15 feet and suffered multiple fractures, hip trauma, and a serious head injury, our team investigated the true employment structure, identified the responsible parties, and fought through delays and denials. Despite the employer asserting he was not a covered employee, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers successfully secured a $145,000 workers’ compensation settlement on his behalf. His case is a powerful reminder that your legal status depends on the reality of the work relationship — not the label your employer chooses to use.
This issue appears often in the roofing industry, and we’ve won benefits for many workers whose initial claims were denied because they were mislabeled as independent contractors. If or someone dear to you was injured and are unsure about employment status, get a free consultation with Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers today. We can help protect your rights.
