Family sues Fairview Heights bar owner claiming patron drank and drove

A St. Clair woman and her family are suing the owner of a Fairview Heights bar they say served alcohol to a man who later got behind the wheel drunk and crashed into them.

Letitia Griffin, herself, and on behalf of her husband, Joseph Griffin, and three minor children, filed a lawsuit against Carl W. Lancaster Oct. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, in November 2009 Kevin Wesselman was drinking alcohol in Baxter's, the bar owned by Lancaster. Wesselman left the bar and drove his car on Interstate 64 where he allegedly crashed into the Griffins' car. Letitia Griffin claims to have hurt her neck, shoulder and lower back.

Griffin accuses Lancaster of violating the Liquor Control Act. She is seeking $250,000 on behalf of her husband and children for medical expenses, lost wages and court costs and another $50,000 on behalf of her husband for loss of consortium and services of his wife.

Attorney Thomas C. Rich of Fairview Heights is representing the Griffins.

St. Clair County Court Case No. 10-L-539