More details to this question:
We are getting quotes to redo our roof plus that of the guest house right next to us, the last roofer climbed up to the main roof and then fell attempting to jump to the guest roof from the roof of the main house (they’re about 2-3 feet apart and I’m guessing he thought he could make the jump). Can he sue us? And what do we need to do to prepare in such a case? We promptly called 911 and the police and paramedics came and took him to the hospital in case he had more injuries than whatever was visible. The police officer that came said we didn’t have to do anything and did not file a report of any kind. There were other witnesses besides myself, but we are still worried about possible repercussions.
1 ANSWER
Anybody can sue, but from the bare facts that you've recited, it doesn't seem like he has much of a claim. An adult deciding on his own to take a known risk that went wrong doesn't present much of a claim, but there may be more to it. If, for example, there was a loose shingle on which he slipped, that could be a valid claim. If your roof was somehow not up to code and this contributed to his fall, that might be the basis for a good claim. If you urged him to jump, falsely telling him that many others had done so safely, that could be the basis for a valid claim. He may come up with some claim like that, but as of now you have no basis to believe that he will. When and if he does, notify your homeowner's insurer. Also, you may want to preserve evidence, such as taking photos of the roof to show that it was in good condition, maybe getting sworn statements from witnesses, etc.
Answered on Oct 18th, 2018 at 1:08 PM