Granite City Eagles club and bar patron sued over alleged assault

A man has filed suit against the bar patron whom he alleges hit him in the head.

Danzel Whitehead alleges he was a guest at defendant Fraternal Order of Eagles at 2258 Madison Ave. in Granite City on Dec. 20, 2013, when defendant Rick Valerius suddenly struck Whitehead on the head and knocked him to the ground.

Because of the incident, Whitehead suffered permanent and progressive injuries to his right arm and right hand, and incurred medical costs of more than $5,000, according to the complaint filed Dec. 19 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In addition to Valerius, Whitehead names Fraternal Order of Eagles as a defendant, saying it negligently failed to provide adequate security and failed to monitor its patrons.

Whitehead seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Attorney William K. Meehan of Meehan Law Firm in University City will represent Whitehead.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1740.