American Legion named in suit by man blinded in attack

A man says he was blinded after he was attacked by three intoxicated patrons at the South Roxana American Legion.

Darren Noel filed a lawsuit May 29 in Madison County Circuit Court against American Legion Post #1167 and the unknown liquor licensee of the post.

Noel says he was a guest at the American Legion on May 31, 2008, when Michael Hanbaum and two unknown assailants began kicking, punching and attacking him.

In addition to his loss of sight, Noel suffered a fractured skull resulting in reconstructive surgery, disability, disfigurement, great physical pain, mental anguish, an impairment of his enjoyment of everyday activities and an inability to work at his normal course of employment, according to the complaint. He also incurred substantial medical costs, the suit states.

In the two-count complaint, Noel is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

S. Russell Meyer, Amy M. Meyer and J. Phillip Steinman of Meyer Law Firm in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-551.