Man Hit by Bowling Ball Files Complaint

The city has been sued by a man who claims he was struck by a bowling ball in a bizarre accident caused by horseplay among workers at the city’s recycling center.

In a complaint filed with the city this month, Jim Hawk alleges he was on a business trip at the Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station in May when a bowling ball hit and broke his leg.

Hawk claims recycling center workers were rolling the ball on the ground. A skip loader ran over the ball, propelling it through the air and hitting Hawk’s leg, his complaint alleges.

The lawsuit seeks $2.3 million in medical expenses and lost earnings. It names the city of Oxnard and BLT Enterprises of Oxnard, which runs the center for the city, as defendants.

Steve Perry, facility manager for BLT Enterprises, said the company has an agreement with the city to take responsibility for such personal-injury suits.

Perry said the company hopes to settle the case.

“I guess there was a bowling ball buried under some trash, and it shot out from under a tire,” Perry said. “It was a very unfortunate accident.”

The summons does not specify Hawk’s occupation or hometown. John E. Sweeney, Hawk’s Westlake Village attorney, did not return phone calls.