Vision Loss & Eye Injuries From NY / NJ Construction Accidents

Eyes are very fragile body parts. Even a small splinter or bit of dirt can cause serious harm. People at New York and New Jersey construction sites face serious threats to their eyes every day. That’s why safety rules require eye protection. Sometimes those rules are ignored. Other times eye injuries happen despite wearing goggles, safety glasses or other shields. If you suffered an eye injury or vision loss while at an NY / NJ construction site, the Ginarte law firm can help you get the money you deserve. Contractors, property owners, developers and others could be liable for your construction accident.

Find out what the NY / NJ eye injury lawyers at the Ginarte firm can do for you. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. As one of the biggest law firms in the NY / NJ metro area representing construction accident victims, we have what it takes to help you with your construction injury claim. There is no risk. Call us today for a free consultation. We collect fees only if you win your case.

Fill out our online contact form today. Or visit us at one of our seven offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.

New York / New Jersey Construction Accidents Cause Eye Injuries

Construction has a higher rate of eye injuries than any other sector, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. During an average year, about 5,500 U.S. construction workers will miss work due to an eye injury. About one-fifth of all workplace eye injuries happen in construction, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

There are many hazards at New York and New Jersey construction sites that can damage eyes. Some of the most common causes of construction site eye injuries include:

• Flying splinters, specks of metal, cut wire ends, nails and screws;
• Dust and grit from sanding and grinding;
• Nail guns;
• Welding;
• Chemical burns;
• Broken glass;
• Gases and smoke;
• Cement powder;
• Hand power tools such as drills and saws;
• Sparks;
• Blunt force from swinging or falling objects;
• Fires and explosions; and
• Electrical arcs.

OSHA safety rules require workers to wear proper eye protection. This can include safety glasses, goggles, face shields and tinted welder’s glasses. Eyewash stations must also be available when there is the risk of eye injuries. Unfortunately, these safety rules are sometimes ignored or misapplied. That’s when a serious construction eye injury and even vision loss can occur. OSHA says that the two top causes of workplace eye injuries are not wearing eye protection or wearing the wrong type of eye protection. All goggles and safety glasses must be marked “Z87” to indicate that they are approved industrial eye protection.

Vision Loss Disables NY / NJ Construction Workers

The most common type of eye injury involves foreign bodies in the eyes, such as nails, splinters or chips, according to BLS. Abrasions and scratches come next, followed by chemical burns. Welder’s flash, cuts and bruises are also common. Most eye injuries require some type of first aid, including rinsing out chemicals. An eye doctor or surgeon may be required to remove a foreign object from the eye and repair the damage.

Many victims of eye injuries can lose all or part of their vision. About 50,000 Americans each year go completely blind or partially blind because of an eye injury, according to the American Society of Ocular Trauma.

Construction Trades Where Eye Injuries Are A Threat

There is the potential for anyone at an NY / NJ construction site to suffer an eye injury. People in some trades face a greater hazard because of the type of work they do. BLS figures reveal that these workers have the highest rate of eye injuries:

• Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers;
• Workers using nail guns;
• General construction laborers and helpers;
• Carpenters;
• Demolition workers;
• Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters; and
• Electricians.

The Cost of Eye Injuries & Vision Loss

Vision loss can mark the end of a construction worker’s career. That means tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages. But it’s impossible to assign money value to what blindness means to the injured person. An eye injury that does not cause permanent vision loss can still be expensive. Bills for eye doctors and other specialists can be high, particularly if surgery is needed. Lost wages are another concern.

In total, BLS reports that eye injuries cost society $924 million in workers’ comp expenses each year, plus nearly $4 billion in lost wages and productivity. Workers’ comp and other programs can help eye injury victims pay some of their bills. However, workers’ comp alone is almost never enough to cover all of an injured person’s losses. It often doesn’t even come close. That’s why you need to talk to the Ginarte law firm. Our attorneys have found great success with securing money for injured construction workers from third-party sources, such as developers, property owners, prime contractors, subcontractors and others.

Consult With Our Construction Vision Loss Lawyers Today

It doesn’t cost you anything to discuss your construction eye injury claim with the Ginarte firm. We receive compensation only if your case is won. Don’t wait. NY / NJ construction accidents have strict deadlines. Don’t let delay cost you your right to recover. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. Or fill out our online contact form.