MARSHALL - A Marshall resident has filed a lawsuit against a commercial furnace manufacturer after he suffered burn injuries while attempting to perform maintenance on the machine.
Jackie Cain filed suit against Industrial Furnace Co. Inc. and MHF Services Division of Industrial Furnace Co. Inc. on Jan. 26 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.
The incident occurred as Cain, an employee of Norit Americas in Marshall, was applying grease to the bull gear of a furnace. He states he was burned when hot ashes, carbon and slag escaped from the center shaft of the furnace. According to the lawsuit, he suffered additional injuries when he jumped from the platform to escape the burning debris.
The manufacturer of the furnace is accused of negligently designing, manufacturing and marketing the furnace by failing to incorporate sufficient and effective safety devices and safety shields and for failing to incorporate routine maintenance practices.
MHF Services is also accused of failing to provide adequate warnings and instructions for the product.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical care and expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, impairment, disfigurement, interest and court costs.
Cain is represented by Bruce A. Craig of Carlile Craig in Marshall.
U.S. District Judge T. John Ward is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00045