Hylla
Roper's Regal Beagle has been granted $10,000 in set-off from a former co-defendant in a dram shop suit the Godfrey tavern lost last month.
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla granted the Regal Beagle the set-off from Michael Whittman Oct. 22.
Plaintiff James Ceja of Ottawa, Ill. won a $35,000 verdict against the Regal Beagle in a dram shop suit.
Ceja contended that the Regal Beagle sold the alcohol that led Whittman to become intoxicated.
Whittman then fought with Ceja in the bar's parking lot, eventually shattering Ceja's left eye socket.
Whittman settled with Ceja for $10,000 in April.
He previously pled guilty to criminal charges related to the fight.
During the suit's September trial, the bar argued that the fight was over inter-union politics and caused by Ceja's allegedly obnoxious behavior.
The jury awarded Ceja the $35,000 after three hours of deliberations.
The award includes $24,000 in medical bills, $1,500 for pain and suffering, and $9,000 in lost wages.
The bar then moved for set-off.
Michael Glisson represents Ceja.
Dominique Seymoure represents the Regal Beagle.
The case is Madison case number 08-L-1159.