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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

November trial vacated in girl’s suit against Alton haunted house; CMC set eve of Halloween

Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge vacated a November trial date in a lawsuit alleging a minor girl sustained injuries in an Alton haunted house tour and has scheduled a case management conference in its place.

The case management conference is set for Oct. 30 at 9 a.m.

According to the complaint, Terry Ganz, father of Alexis Ganz, claims his daughter was injured after she was chased by a haunted house actor wielding a motor driven chainsaw in a dimly lit area, containing trip hazards and distracting strobe lights on Oct. 29, 2011.

The City of Alton, American Legion Post 126, Steven Haug and Dennis Sharp are all named as defendants.

Arguing that the plaintiff voluntarily assumed the risks of the haunted house and understood the inherent danger, the defendants claim they are not at fault and should not be liable for the injuries or damages claimed.

The City of Alton filed a motion to dismiss, which was denied on Aug. 9, arguing that the conduct causing injuries must be deliberate and intentional and must be based on a course of action in order to be considered willful and wanton. It also stated the plaintiff assumed the risk of attending the haunted house tour.

J. Robert Edmonds in Edwardsville represents the plaintiff.

Alex J. Cornwall and Dayna L. Johnson of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale represent Steven Haug.

Belleville attorney Charles Pierce represents the City of Alton.

Michael Murphy of Freeark, Harvey & Mendillo in Belleville represents defendant Dennis Sharp.

Charles Anderson and James Craney represent American Legion Post 126.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 12-L-1756

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