Dog bite to cigarette death suits filed in Madison County

Crystal Sykes of Alton filed suit against Jena Smith alleging Smith’s dog attacked her son, Amaru, while the dog was in its own yard at 3304 Belle St. on Aug. 12, 2004.

Sykes, represented by Joseph Hoefert of Alton, claims her son suffered serious injuries to his face and body and suffered pain and mental anguish. She is seeking in excess of $100,000.

Shelly Mains filed suit against Bethalto resident Evan Allard, alleging he failed to keep a proper lookout while driving his car on March 5, 2003, causing a collision at Broadway and Market in Venice.

Mains, represented by K. Lindsay Rakers of Edwardsville, is seeking at least $50,000 in damages for injuries sustained in the collision. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge George Moran.

Jennifer Tuck filed suit against Beverly Farms of Godfrey, alleging she was fired on Feb. 11 after filing a workmen’s compensation claim on Nov. 20, 2004, for a workplace injury.

Tuck is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 plus punitive damages in excess of $50,000. She is represented by Richard Ameduri of Edwardsville. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

Donald Flack of Korein Tillery filed suit on behalf of Robert Plantz of Caseyville who is seeking damages for his wife’s death.

Plantz claims his wife smoked approximately 40 Marlboro Light cigarettes for 25 years and died of lung caner on Aug. 25, 2004. He is suing Huck's Convenience Stores claiming the retailer unfairly and deceptively schemed to get customers to buy "light" cigarettes.

Flack filed seven suits against the retailer on Feb. 8. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Daniel Stack.