Wood River's Phil's Bar and Grill sued over alleged attack

A couple is asking a Wood River bar to pay more than $200,000 after the husband was allegedly beat up there.

Michael Wright and his wife, Lisa Wright, filed a lawsuit April 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against Phil's Bar and Grill.

The Wrights say they were at Phil's Bar and Grill in Wood River on April 2. Shortly after the bar closed, Michael Wright alleges he was attacked by intoxicated customers who had just left Phil's.

Michael Wright says he received multiple injuries as a result of the alleged attack. He says has been formed to pay medical bills and suffered pain, disfigurement and a loss of enjoyment of life since it happened.

The Wrights accuse the owner of Phil's Bar and Grill of negligence for failing to provide enough properly-trained security staff. They accuse the owner of violating the Illinois Dramshop Act by failing to protect Michael from being injured on the property.

The couple also contends Phil's Bar and Grill knew – or should have known – about other instances of violence and yet allegedly failed to keep it from happening. The Wrights say that constitutes willful and wanton behavior.

Lisa Wright is suing the bar for loss of consortium. The couple asks the owner of Phil's Bar and Grill to pay more than $200,000 in actual damages along with punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs.

Attorneys Scott D. Bjorseth and David A Schott of Alton are representing the Wrights.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-364