Tavern owner sued for not warning patron about gang

A man who was attacked by a motorcycle gang called "Free Spirits" at a Pontoon Beach tavern filed a personal injury suit against the bar owner claiming she failed to warn him that the gang was at the tavern.

Bill Thomas claims his face, head, arms and legs were injured and he suffered several broken bones at hands of gang members at the Side Pocket Tavern on April 28, 2004.

He claims tavern owner Shelia Severs failed to provide adequate security when she knew or should have known that the gang had caused prior problems and failed to take any action to protect him from harm.

According to Thomas, his injuries have caused him to suffer severe physical and emotional distress, substantial medical expenses, lost wages and that his injuries are permanent and progressive.

Represented by Thomas Hildebrand of Granite City, Thomas is seeking damages in excess of $15,000 but not to exceed $75,000.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nick Byron.

06 L 228