Construction worker sues for blindness

A construction worker who became permanently blind following a job-site accident is suing H&L Builders for failing to provide him with a hard hat and eye protection.

Shannon Voyles claims his left eye was struck by a nail that dropped from the top of a home under construction at Cambridge Condominiums in O’Fallon on Nov. 6, 2003, while he was at ground level.

Voyles, who was employed by subcontractor J&F Framing as a roofer, framer and carpenter, is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages plus costs of the suit filed Nov. 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

“He was made permanently blind in his left eye requiring extensive surgery and eventual removal of his eyeball,” the complaint states.

Voyles is represented by Steven W. Selby of Smith, Mendenhall & Selby of Alton.