Silver Creek Saloon accused in suit of violating Dram Shop

A Belleville bar is being sued by a man who says he was attacked and beat up by another patron.

Derek Wilke filed a lawsuit Sept. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Mic Berringer and JJJR Silver Creek Inc., doing business as Silver Creek Saloon.

According to the complaint, Wilke was in the Silver Creek Saloon in the 2500 block of Mascoutah Avenue in September 2012. At the same time, Wilke says, Berringer was also at the bar and being served drinks, causing him to become intoxicated. Wilke claims Berringer, while drunk, attacked him and hit him several times in the face.

Wilke accuses the bar and its owner, JJJR Silver Creek, of violating Illinois' Dram Shop Act. He also accuses Berringer of negligence and asks for more than $200,000 in damages for medical bills, lost wages and court fees.

Wilke is represented by attorney Don Cary Collins of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-486