Sandy Ridge bar named in Dram Shop suit

A Cahokia woman has filed suit on behalf of her minor daughter against a Cahokia establishment, claiming it served alcoholic beverages to a man who then collided with the vehicle in which the daughter and her parents were riding.

Sandy Ridge served alcoholic beverages to Michael Byrd on June 3, according to a complaint filed Nov. 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Byrd left the bar under the influence of the intoxicating beverages and drove on Stolle Road in St. Clair County when he collided with the car in which Kayle Cordevant, her mom, Frances, and her dad, Dennis, were traveling, the suit states.

Surveillance cameras captured footage of "information or data which is critical to the prosecution of this case," the suit states.

However, Sandy Ridge destroyed the film, Frances claims.

Because of the accident, Frances claims she, Dennis and Kayle sustained severe injuries.

Because of Frances's and Dennis's injuries, their society and companionship to Kayle has been greatly diminished, according to the complaint.

Dennis also provided a substantial means of financial support to Kayle, which have also been lost and greatly diminished, the suit states.

Kayle sustained significant medical expenses as a result of the collision, Frances claims.

Sandy Ridge was negligent because of provisions in the Dram Shop Act, according to the complaint.

In addition the establishment had a duty to preserve images the surveillance camera captured, but breached its duty, the suit states.

In the six-count suit, Frances is seeking a judgment in excess of $300,000, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems appropriate.

Russell F. Watters of Brown and James in St. Louis will be representing Frances in the suit.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-577.