Ridgewood Roofing Accident Highlights the Serious Risks of Workplace Injuries

Last week, Ridgewood police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a man who had fallen from the roof of a residence while on the job as a painter on Kenilworth Road. The painter, who was reported to be employed by a North Jersey-based painting company, was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson with severe injuries. According to officials, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also arrived at the scene as part of the standard review process following serious workplace incidents.

This tragic accident is a reminder of the dangers that construction and roofing professionals face every day. Under New Jersey law, when an individual suffers a workplace injury, they have the right to receive benefits, and families have the right to recover financial support.

At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., the firm has helped more than 35,000 clients and their families get back on their feet after suffering workplace injuries, wrongful deaths, and other losses caused by others’ negligence. Their attorneys emphasize that families are entitled to grieve, feel anger, and seek justice, while having a trusted legal team handle the complex process of pursuing claims.

If you believe you have a case, you’ve come to the right place.

Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey

The New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.) provides a no-fault system of benefits for employees injured on the job.

Key benefits include:

• Medical treatment authorized by the employer or insurer.
• Temporary disability benefits to replace lost wages during recovery.
• Permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits in cases of lasting impairment.

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide medical and financial support, though they do not compensate for pain and suffering. It is also important to note that claims typically must be filed within two years of the accident or the last compensation payment, making it essential to act quickly if you believe you have a claim.

Wrongful Death Act and Third-Party Claims

In some cases, additional claims may be available. For example, New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.) gives rights to surviving family members to recover financial losses.

In addition, where parties other than the direct employer may have contributed to negligent or unsafe conditions, a third-party claim may also be pursued. Under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.), workers generally cannot sue their own employer for negligence, but they may hold other responsible parties accountable.

Depending on the facts of the case, third parties can include:

• Property owners, if hazardous site conditions were a factor
• General contractors or subcontractors, for failures in site supervision or safety oversight
• Equipment or tool manufacturers, if defective products contributed to the accident
• Maintenance or service companies, where inadequate inspection or repair caused unsafe equipment
• Design professionals, such as architects or engineers, should identify if unsafe plans or designs lead to risk.

These claims are critical because they may provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers, including damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship (consortium), and other non-economic losses, depending on facts found in the investigation.

Common Workplace Injuries

While roofing and construction often involve working at heights, workplace injuries are not limited to falls.

Common job-site injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
• Broken bones or spinal trauma from falls or impacts
• Strains, sprains, or back injuries from overexertion
• Crush or “struck-by” injuries from machinery or materials
• Burns, electrical shocks, or chemical exposures
• Long-term repetitive-stress injuries from vibration or repetitive motions.

Awareness of these risks, proper training, and adherence to safety standards remain critical in avoiding dangerous injuries and even deaths on the job.

Why Representation from a Personal Injury Attorney Matters

Suffering from a serious injury or workplace fatality can be emotionally exhausting, but having an experienced attorney to handle deadlines, filings, and negotiations allows families to focus on recovery and healing.

At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. our role is not only to fight for compensation but also to support clients and their families through the legal process with compassion while they get the justice they deserve.

A New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney or New Jersey wrongful death lawyer can:

• Ensure medical treatment and wage benefits are provided under workers’ compensation law
• Protect legal rights under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act
• Investigate potential third-party claims to maximize recovery
• Pursue wrongful death or Survivor’s Act claims where appropriate
• Handle deadlines and complex filings so families can focus on their personal well-being.

Steve Cohen, Esq., a Partner and the Chairperson of the Workers’ Compensation Section of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., has decades of experience dedicated to representing and helping injured workers get back on their feet. He is a strong advocate and believes that on the job injuries are not just accidents but examples of negligence that demand justice and fair compensation.

As a highly experienced workers’ compensation attorney with a record of leadership and service in his field. Steven is a past-President of the Executive Committee for the Workers’ Compensation Section of the New Jersey Bar Association and is a current member of the Executive Committee. He also currently serves as Vice President of the New Jersey Advisory Council on Safety and Health. As a longtime member of the New Jersey Association for Justice (NJAJ), Steven has served as Co-Chair of its Workers’ Compensation Section since 2005. He has led numerous educational seminars for attorneys across the state. He is known for his knowledge of the law and genuine care for all his clients, making him a trusted advocate for injured workers across the state.

Steve Cohen, Esq., has also authored a guide, entitled “Getting the Benefits You Deserve: Everything You Need to Know About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim,” which was created to help injured workers in New Jersey and New York understand their rights under the workers’ compensation law and the benefits they are entitled to receive after a workplace injury. If you have been injured at work and would like a copy of the Workers’ Compensation Guide, you can click the link or call 201-907-5000 to request yourself a copy free of charge.

Call Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. Today!

The Ridgewood incident is a painful reminder of the risks faced by workers across New Jersey. For families coping with workplace injuries or the unimaginable loss of a loved one, strong legal support can make a profound difference. Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has decades of experience advocating for injured workers and families in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey, helping them pursue the compensation and justice they deserve.

To speak with Steve Cohen, Esq., for a free, no-obligation, consultation or second opinion, he can be contacted at (201)-907-5000 or at Steve.Cohen@dsslaw.com to schedule a meeting. There is no charge for the consultation, and we are happy to meet with you in person or virtually via FaceTime, Zoom. We have Spanish-speaking attorneys on-site and offer translations for Korean, Polish, Italian, Albanian, Russian, Portuguese, and many more languages, in case English is not your preferred language. It’s important to act fast so your attorney can begin building a compelling case for you. We’re here for you, 24/7, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.