Collinsville tavern, attacker sued

A man who was assaulted at a Collinsville tavern filed suit against Steve Joe Piper alleging he was attacked for no reason.

Larry LaFrank alleges he was at The Local Pub at 401 East Main St. on Oct. 1, 2007, when Piper willfully, wantonly and violently struck him with his fists and then with a pool ball causing multiple injuries to his head and neck.

LaFrank claims his injuries from the brutal assault caused and continues to cause great pain and anguish, medical expenses and left him unable to perform his daily duties.

He is also seeking damages from The Local Pub pursuant to the Premises Liability Act alleging it had a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances for the safety of the persons in the bar.

LaFrank claims the tavern breached its duty when by allegedly failing to provide adequate security for its patrons and failing to provide him assistance when Piper was assaulting him.

He seeks damages in excess of $15,000 from each defendant.

Collinsville attorney H. Carl Runge, Jr., of Collinsville will represent LaFrank.

The case is awaiting mandatory arbitration.

08 AR 596