ORANGE - Hit on the head by a 30-pound piece of salt cake while working on Temple-Inland's premises nearly three years ago, Melvin Franklin is now alleging the company failed to provide him with a safe workplace and has filed suit.
Franklin filed his personal injury suit Nov. 17 in Orange County District Court.
Court documents show that on Dec. 27, 2005, Franklin, a Turner Scaffolding employee, was hit by a 30-pound piece of salt cake, which fell around 40 feet from the top of the Orange facility's ceiling.
Salt cake is an impure form of sodium sulphate obtained as a by-product of several industrial processes.
"During the time that plaintiff was upon defendant's property, he was seriously injured," the suit says. "Franklin sustained injuries to his neck, back, shoulders and head."
The suit continues by asserting TI should have known about the dangerous condition and was negligent for not remedying it.
On top of exemplary damages, Franklin is suing for past and future mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses and impairment.
He is represented by the Law Offices of Don R. Caggins, Sr.
The case has been assigned to Judge Dennis Powell of the 163rd Judicial District.
Case No. B080434-c