Substitute bartender sues after slipping at Mexican Honorary Commission

A woman has filed suit against Mexican Honorary Commission, claiming she slipped on a wet floor behind the bar while attending a party there.

Veronica A. Gabriel claims she was attending a party at the Mexican Honorary Commission's premises on 1801 Spruce St. in Granite City on May 25, 2008, when the incident occurred.

"At said party, an employee or agent of Defendant who was responsible for tending the bar asked Plaintiff to watch the bar for a few minutes while he used the restroom," the suit filed Sept. 21 in Madison County Circuit Court states. "Plaintiff agreed to assist the employee or agent of Defendant and walked behind the bar. When Plaintiff walked behind the bar, Plaintiff slipped and fell on a wet floor that was behind the bar."

Because of her fall, Gabriel sustained serious and permanent injuries, incurred medical costs and lost wages and income, according to the complaint.

She blames Mexican Honorary Commission for allowing a slick and dangerous condition to exist on the floor, for asking Gabriel to stand behind the bar despite knowledge of the slick floor, for failing to warn her of the slick condition and for failing to properly eliminate the liquids on the floor.

Gabriel is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

She will be represented by Christopher K. Geldmacher of Sauter and Sullivan in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-997.