Designer of haunted house denies allegations in suit over injuries

A defendant in a personal injury suit against an Alton haunted house attraction is denying negligence.

Dennis Sharp denies plaintiff Terry Gansz is entitled to judgment against him in the lawsuit Gansz filed for his daughter who was allegedly injured while being chased by a chainsaw-yielding character.

Gansz filed a lawsuit Oct. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court against American Legion Post 126 and the City of Alton. Sharp and Steven Haug, who organized, designed and supervised the haunted house attraction, were also named in the lawsuit.

The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 29, 2011, at the house located at 1211 Henry Street.

Gansz claims the lighting was dim and disorienting and that trip hazards existed at the house.

Sharp denies negligence.

“Defendant states that the alleged injuries of which plaintiff complains, if any, were not directly or proximately caused by any act or omission of defendant, but were the result of independent, intervening causes over which defendant had no control and which were not known to or reasonably forseeable by defendant,” Sharp’s answer to the lawsuit states.

J. Robert Edmonds, attorney for the plaintiff, filed a reply to Sharp’s answer Nov. 26, refuting Sharp’s affirmative allegations.

Belleville attorney Charles Pierce represents the City of Alton.

Michael Murphy represents Dennis Sharp.

Madison County Case number 12-L-1756.