Riverbend Billiards patron claims dart player punched him in the mouth

A Madison County man says he was punched in the mouth by a drunk man while attending a dart tournament at an Alton bar.
Eric Ealey filed a lawsuit Jan. 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Terry and Gemma Strader, doing business as Riverbend Billiards and Grill, and Jeffrey Hall.

According to the complaint, Ealey was a customer at Riverbend Billiards and Grill in the 900 block of East Broadway Street in January 2012. At the same time the bar was allegedly hosting a dart league tournament and sponsored a team, of which Hall was a member. Ealey says Hall was drinking at the time of the tournament and became rowdy and unruly. That was when, according to Ealey, Hall attacked him without provocation.

Ealey accuses Hall, the bar and its owners of negligence and of violating Illinois' Dram Shop Act. He seeks more than $350,000 in damages for medical expenses, loss of income and court fees.

Attorney Michele L. Berkel of Wood River represents Ealey. They request a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No.13-L-41