Shenanigans in Belleville sued over bar attack

A man claims he sustained disabling injuries after three patrons at a Belleville bar attacked him.

Stephen J. Fults filed a lawsuit March 15 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Karen Onstott, Shenanigans, Jacob Gehrs, Austin Gehrs and Jesse Carney.

Fults claims he visited Shenangians on Dec. 19 when Jacob Gehrs, Austin Gehrs and Carney attacked him, striking him several times in the face and kicking him.

Because of the attack, Fults incurred medical costs, suffered great pain and mental anguish and incurred disfiguring injuries to his face, according to the complaint.

Fults blames Shenanigans and its owner, Onstott, for causing his injuries, saying they allowed the remaining defendants into the bar despite their quarrelsome, disorderly and vicious behaviors; failed to control the remaining defendants and remove them from the premises; failed to take reasonable action to protect Fults from the remaining defendants; failed to give aid; and failed to provide adequate security.

He also blames Jacob Gehrs, Austin Gehrs and Carney for his injuries, saying they attacked him without justification or provocation after becoming intoxicated.

In his 10-count suit, Fults seeks a judgment of more than $300,000 and actual and punitive damages of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Dominic Kujawa of Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-130.