TT's Bar and Grill owner denies negligence in patron's pot hole suit

A Granite City bar and grill denies negligence in a patron's suit claiming injuries from parking lot pot holes.

TT's Bar and Grill owner Thomas Barczewski answered the 2012 suit saying any injuries suffered by plaintiff Claude Reeves, Jr. were the result of his own negligence in "failing to exercise ordinary care for his own safety in the operation of his motorcycle."

Barczewski, represented by attorney Beth Boggs of St. Louis, seeks to dismiss Reeves' complaint also on the grounds that his damages were proximately caused by the actions of third parties over whom he has no control.

Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian presides over the case, which was before the court July 23 for a case management conference.

Reeves claims he was visiting TT’s Bar and Grill on Oct. 8, 2010, and that due to the existence of numerous pot holes, he sustained severe injuries, suffered great pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and lost wages.

In his three-count complaint, Reeves is seeking a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs and attorney’s fees.

He is represented by Patrick G. Johnston and Benjamin T. Stephens of Johnston Law Offices in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1586.