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Roofing is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous occupations in the UK. Working at height, handling heavy materials, and being exposed to unpredictable weather conditions all increase the risk of serious injury. Unfortunately, these dangers are often made worse by a lack of proper safety measures, training, or adequate equipment. When an accident happens on a roofing job due to someone else’s actions, it can result in not only physical pain, but also emotional distress and financial hardship.
If you’ve suffered an injury while working on a roof, you may be entitled to make a roofer injury claim. Whether you’re an employee, contractor, agency worker, or self-employed, your right to a safe working environment is protected by law.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about making an accident at work claim. We’ll look at who can make roofer injury claims, your employer’s duty of care, the types of compensation available, and how compensation is calculated. We’ll also provide examples of common accidents that affect roofers, and take you through the process of starting your claim. Finally, you’ll learn how our expert team can support you.
If you believe you have a claim or simply want more information, our advisors are ready to help. There’s no cost and no pressure—just clear, friendly advice.
For free advice and a no-obligation assessment of your claim, contact our team of advisors today by:
- Calling us on 0333 0000729
- Using the live chat feature
- Contacting us online
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Can Make Roofer Injury Claims?
- What Compensation Could I Get For Workplace Injuries As A Roofer?
- How Can Roofer Injury Claim Compensation Help Me?
- Examples Of Accidents Roofers May Have
- How To Start A Roofer Injury Compensation Claim
- Get Help From Legal Helpline
- Learn More
Who Can Make Roofer Injury Claims?
You may be eligible to make a roofer injury claim if you have suffered harm while working as a roofer. This applies whether you are a full-time employee, agency worker, contractor, or self-employed.
To bring roofer injury claims forward, three criteria must be met:
- Duty of care – Your employer (or the party in control of the worksite) owed you a legal duty of care. We’ll talk more about what this looks like in the next section.
- Breach of duty – This duty was breached through action or inaction.
- Harm suffered – You suffered physical or mental harm as a direct result.
Temporary and agency workers are also protected under the same laws. What matters is whether someone else’s actions led to your injury.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Call our friendly advisors today for free, no-obligation guidance.
What Is My Employer’s Duty Of Care?
All employers owe their employees a duty of care.
This means your employer is responsible for reasonably practicable steps to keep you safe. This includes:
- Providing proper training for working at height
- Ensuring scaffolding and ladders are properly erected and maintained
- Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Conducting risk assessments
- Keeping the worksite tidy and free of hazards like trailing wires
For roofing work specifically, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are particularly important. These regulations place a legal duty on employers and those in control of any work at height activity to ensure it is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people. They must:
- Avoid working at height where possible, by using extendable equipment or ground-level alternatives
- Use the right type of equipment for the job (e.g., harnesses, guardrails, scaffolds)
- Ensure all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained
- Provide adequate training to all workers expected to carry out tasks at height.
Failure to comply with these regulations may be considered negligence and could form the basis of roofer injury claims. Even if you are self-employed, you may still be able to make a claim under Section 4 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA), which imposes a duty of care on those who control non-domestic premises. If a contractor or site manager failed to ensure your safety while working, they could be held liable.
Think your employer may have breached their duty of care? Speak to us now for a free case assessment.
What Compensation Could I Get For Workplace Injuries As A Roofer?
If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for two types of damages:
- General damages – For the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury.
- Special damages – For financial losses incurred due to the injury. This can include:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical expenses
- Travel costs
- The cost of care or assistance
- Future loss of income if your injuries affect your ability to work
Find out what your claim could be worth—contact our expert advisors today.
Determining The Amount Of Compensation I’m Eligible For
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, how long it takes you to recover, and the impact the injury has on your daily life and income.
General damages are typically calculated using the Judicial College Guidelines, which set out suggestive amounts for different types of injury. You can see some of these amounts below, but please note that the first entry is not from the JCG.
| Injury | Compensation Bracket | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries And Special Damages | Up to £1,000,000+ | This bracket can cover both multiple severe injuries and the financial losses they cause, including the cost of round-the-clock care, lost earnings, and the cost of childcare. |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 | The claimant might have some return of sleeping and waking patterns and may be able to follow basic commands, but they will still need full-time nursing care. |
| Less Severe Brain Damage | £18,700 to £52,550 | There will be a good level of recovery, and the claimant can return to a normal working and social life. |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | The amount of compensation awarded will depend on things like independence, the level of pain, and the claimant's age. |
| Severe Back Injuries (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | This bracket covers the most severe back injuries, including damage to the spinal cord and roots. |
| Minor Back Injuries (ii) | £5,310 to £9,630 | Where a full recovery takes place within two years, without the need for surgery. |
| Below-Knee Amputation of One Leg | £119,570 to £162,290 | |
| Severe (iii) Neck Injuries | £55,500 to £68,330 | This bracket will include chronic conditions caused by fractures, dislocations, and severe soft tissue damage. |
| Severe Shoulder Injuries | £23,430 to £58,610 | Injuries in these bracket are often associated with damage to the neck and brachial plexus, and result in severe disability. |
| A Number of Noticeable Laceration Scars or One Single Disfiguring Scar | £9,560 to £27,740 | A number of large, noticeable scars across the body, or just a single scar with a severely disfiguring effect. |
Special damages are calculated based on the evidence you provide, such as payslips, invoices, and receipts. Keeping thorough records can help strengthen your roofer injury claims and maximise your compensation.
Curious about what you could receive? Call now and let us help you calculate your potential compensation.
How Can Roofer Injury Claim Compensation Help Me?
Suffering an injury at work can have a serious impact on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Compensation can help you by:
- Covering the cost of private medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Replacing lost income while you recover
- Helping with household expenses if you can’t work
- Supporting you and your family through a difficult time
- Giving you the means to retrain if you cannot return to roofing
Most importantly, compensation can offer peace of mind and a sense of justice, especially if the injury occurred due to someone else’s failure to keep you safe.
In some cases, it may be possible to receive interim payments—this is money paid to you before the final settlement of your claim. Interim payments are typically awarded when liability has been admitted and you need immediate financial assistance, such as covering urgent medical costs or paying essential bills while you are unable to work.
These payments can ease the burden during a difficult recovery period and ensure you’re not left struggling while waiting for your claim to be fully resolved.
Take the first step towards getting the support you deserve—speak to our team today.
Examples Of Accidents Roofers May Have
Due to the high-risk nature of roofing, there are many potential hazards that could lead to an injury, including:
- Falls from height – These are the leading cause of death and serious injury in construction. This could be from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, or through fragile surfaces.
- Falling objects – Tools, materials or debris can strike workers below, especially on poorly managed sites, causing head injuries.
- Defective equipment – Broken ladders, scaffolding, or safety harnesses can result in serious injury.
- Slips and trips – Loose cables, wet surfaces, or scattered tools can cause dangerous falls.
- Manual handling injuries – Lifting heavy tiles or equipment can lead to back injuries or strains.
Each of these could form the basis of a roofer injury claim if caused by negligence or lack of proper safety regulations.
Had a similar accident? Contact us today to find out if you could make a claim.
How To Start A Roofer Injury Compensation Claim
If you believe you may be eligible to make a roofer injury claim, the process typically involves the following steps:
- Seek medical attention – Your health should always come first. Get your injuries assessed and treated as soon as possible.
- Report the accident – Inform your employer and ensure it is recorded in the accident book.
- Gather evidence – Collect anything that supports your claim, including photographs, witness details, medical records, and proof of financial losses.
- Contact a solicitor – A specialist personal injury solicitor can assess your case and advise you on your chances of success.
Our panel of solicitors work under a No Win No Fee arrangement, known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means:
- No solicitor’s fees upfront
- No solicitor’s fees while the case is ongoing
- No solicitor’s fees if your claim is unsuccessful
If roofer injury claims succeed, a success fee is taken as a percentage of compensation. This percentage is subject to a legal cap, which helps make sure that you keep the larger share of what you receive.
Ready to get started? Speak with our team now to begin your claim with confidence.
Get Help From Legal Helpline
At Legal Helpline, we are proud to support workers injured on the job, including roofers. Our legal helpline is here to provide free, no-obligation advice, assess your case quickly and clearly, and connect you with expert personal injury solicitors.
What sets us apart?
- Specialist Knowledge: Our panel of solicitors have extensive experience handling roofer injury claims and understand the specific regulations and risks that apply.
- No Win No Fee: We work with solicitors who operate under Conditional Fee Agreements, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
- Tailored Support: Every roofer’s experience is unique. We take the time to understand your situation and match you with a solicitor who’s right for your needs.
- Compassionate Service: You’re not just a case number. We’re here to support you as you recover and help secure the financial compensation you need to move forward.
Whether you’re ready to begin a claim or just want to understand your rights, we’re here to help.
Contact Our Team
Call our legal helpline now for free, expert advice tailored to your situation.
- Calling us on 0333 0000729
- Using the live chat feature
- Contacting us online
Learn More
For more helpful information on accident at work claims:
- Find out how to claim for an accident at work caused by oil
- Learn how to claim for a chemical burn at work
- Get help claiming for an accident at work involving a conveyor belt
Or, to get more resources:
- Get basic health and safety information from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Learn about first aid from the NHS
- Find out how to request CCTV footage of yourself
Thank you for reading our guide to roofer injury claims.
