Are you liable if a roofer falls off your roof?

Liability if a roofer falls off your roof depends primarily on whether the roofer is an employee of a licensed, insured roofing company or an uninsured independent contractor, and on your state laws. If you hire a reputable licensed roofing contractor who carries workers compensation insurance and general liability insurance, you are generally not liable for injuries to their workers. Workers compensation covers medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and the contractor's liability insurance covers property damage. You should always verify insurance by asking for a current certificate of insurance directly from the insurance carrier, not just a copy from the contractor. If you hire an uninsured roofer, day laborer, or unlicensed contractor to save money, you could be held liable as the de facto employer, and your homeowner's insurance may have to cover medical costs, or you could be sued personally for medical expenses, which can be substantial. Additionally, if you create a hazardous condition, such as failing to disclose a weak deck, or if you act as your own general contractor directing unsafe work, liability risk increases. Some states also have homeowner exemptions for casual labor, but roofing is rarely considered casual. To protect yourself, always hire licensed and insured contractors, get proof of insurance, have a written contract stating the contractor is responsible for safety, and avoid directing the crew's work methods.