Bouncer used excessive force to break up fight, suit claims

A customer of Hurricanes Bar and Grill alleges injuries after a bouncer at the bar used excessive force to break up a fight.

Vincent Giovando was visiting the Collinsville bar on Jan. 26, 2008, when an altercation happened outside between Giovando, Ryan Bettorf and several other individuals, according to the complaint filed Feb. 9 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Jay Brombolich, a bouncer for the bar, and other employees came outside and attempted to break up the fight, the suit states.

However, Giovando claims Brombolich used excessive force when he tried to break up the fight.

As a result, Giovando incurred medical expenses, sustained severe injuries, including a fracture to his left eye orbital, and was unable to pursue his normal activities of life, according to the complaint.

He also lost wages, the suit states.

Hurricanes Bar and Grill was negligent by failing to train its bouncers in handling a fight, for failing to contact the police to handle the situations, for improperly handling an altercation and for using excessive force to break up the fight, Giovando claims.

Brombolich negligently failed to contact police to handle the situation, improperly handled the altercation and used excessive force to break up the fight, according to the complaint.

In the two-count suit, Giovando is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0105.