Bottle-wielding, underage Shenanigans patron causes injuries, suit claims

A St. Clair County man is suing the owners of a bar, claiming he was hit in the face with a bottle by a man too young to be there.

John F. Waller filed the lawsuit June 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Brett W. Hartmann and Shenanigans Inc.

According to the complaint, Waller was a customer of Shenanigans in Belleville in June 2009 and was sitting in the outdoor deck area. Waller alleges Hartmann, who was underage, was intoxicated when he walked out onto the deck with a vodka bottle in his hand. Hartmann allegedly swung the bottle carelessly and hit Waller in the face, breaking his nose.

Waller accuses Hartmann of negligence. He also accuses Shenanigans of violating Belleville city code by allowing Hartmann to drink and conduct himself in a disorderly manner.

Waller is suing the bar for not providing for his safety while he was a customer. He is asking for $250,000 in damages for medical expenses, lost wages and court fees.

Attorney Paul P. Waller of Belleville is representing Waller. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-256