Woman struck in face by man sues bar, eatery and assailant

Karen Hooker filed suit against Schatze's Sports Bar & Grill in Belleville, Chevy's Fresh Mex in O'Fallon and a man she claims struck her in the face with his fist while under the influence of alcohol.

According to the complaint filed Jan. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Hooker sustained serious injuries to her face, nose, eyes, head, neck, hips and back after Mark J. Rives allegedly hit her on May 6, 2007, at Schatze's, located at 2301 East Main St.

The complaint states that Hooker was forced to hire the service of hospitals and physicians in order to cure herself. She also claims great pain, mental anguish and missed working days and opportunities.

Hooker alleges that Rives became intoxicated at Chevy's, located at 1305 Central Park Dr. She claims she was struck on the premises of Schatze's.

Among other things, Hooker claims Schatze's failed to provide adequate security in its establishment and failed to remove Rives from the premises when it knew or should have known that he posed a danger to patrons.

Represented by Steven E. Katzman of Belleville, Hooker is seeking in excess of $350,000 in damages.

She claims Rives intentionally violated her right to personal integrity when he struck her in the face without her consent.

Hooker also claims that she had provided financial support for her husband and 16-year-old son.

"That but for the Plaintiff's injury that as a result of Mark J. Rives' intoxication and battery of her, the Plaintiff would have continued to provide support for her husband, Larry Hooker, and her minor child...," the complaint states.