Alton Belle security guard files 'Jones Act' suit

A security officer at Argosy's Alton Belle Casino in Alton filed a Jones Act suit in Madison County Circuit Court Sept. 8, alleging the boat failed to provide her with a reasonably safe place to work.

Doris Viviano claims that on Aug. 11, 2003, while working as a security guard, she became sick, sore, lame and disordered when she injured her right leg and foot. The complaint does not indicate how she became injured.

Viviano claims Argosy failed to provide her with adequate assistance, failed to warn her of the dangers in the area in which she was assigned, failed to supervise her work and failed to provide her with adequate equipment to safely perform the tasks she was assigned.

According to the complaint, Viviano has lost wages, suffered a loss in earning capacity, experienced pain and suffering, became liable for medical expenses and has sustained a permanent disfigurement.

Represented by Marc Parker of the Lakin Law Firm in Wood River, Viviano is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 plus a judgment in her favor in an amount not less than $40 per day for maintenance and cure under General Maritime Law.

The case will be assigned to retired Circuit Judge Kardis’ replacement when chosen by the Illinois Supreme Court.

05 L 806