A Madison County personal injury trial involving a Godfrey tavern opened Tuesday with a day-long jury selection in a case expected to last three days.
Plaintiff James Ceja is suing the owners of Roper's Regal Beagle bar for allegedly violating the state's Dram Shop laws.
Ceja claims that a Regal Beagle patron, Michael Whittman, became intoxicated at the bar and punched him after the two men began arguing, breaking bones in Ceja's face.
The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000 and costs.
Whittman settled with Ceja earlier this year.
The other defendants have a claim for set-off pending against Whittman.
The Regal Beagle defendants had moved for summary judgment in the case but the move was denied.
Jury selection was still on-going at 2 p.m. Monday.
The trial will continue Wednesday with opening statements and the beginning of Ceja's case.
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla presides.
The plaintiff is represented by Dominque Seymoure.
Regal Beagle is represented by Michael Hobin.
The case is Madison case number 08-L-1159.
Jury selection under way in Regal Beagle dram shop trial
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