Man sues Toyota over oil spill injury

WINFIELD -- A former employee is suing Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia after he slipped on a mat that was over an oil spill.

Martin Edmunds was employed by the defendant from April 1, 2000, until Dec. 10, 2008.

Edmunds claims on Dec. 10, 2008, he was going to a machine to perform maintenance when he slipped on a mat that was covering an oil spill and was injured, according to a complaint filed Dec. 18 in Putnam Circuit Court.

Another employee previously had slipped and fell on the same mat shortly before Edmunds did, according to the suit.

Edmunds claims the defendant's unsafe working condition presented a high degree of risk and a strong probability of serious injury or death. He claims Toyota failed to provide a safe place to work and is responsible for his injuries.

Edmunds claims he suffered severe and permanent personal injury that has caused him to endure pain and suffering; mental anguish and emotional distress; annoyance and inconvenience; and the loss of ability to enjoy life.

Edmunds is seeking compensatory and general damages. He is being represented by J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia M. Ranson and George B. Morrone III of the Ranson Law Offices.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 09-C-535