EDWARDSVILLE – A patron is suing an Alton bar, alleging negligence over injuries she says she received from an altercation.
Denise R. Sparks filed the lawsuit Feb. 18 in Madison County Circuit Court against Gregory Smith, individually and doing business as Greg's Place, George J. Stemm and Stephen R. Cruthis, all of Alton, alleging Dram Shop Act violations.
According to the complaint, on March 9, 2015, Sparks was at Greg's Place, 2018 State St., Alton, when Stemm and Curthis got into an altercation after they had become intoxicated while drinking at the bar. In the midst of the scuffle, the suit says, Stemm crashed into Sparks, shoving her into Cruthis, who, in turn, shoved her, causing her to fall and strike her head.
The suit says the plaintiff suffered serious injuries and pain and was permanently injured and disabled from her normal life. She alleges she has sustained medical bills and surgical expenses, and has been unable to work, losing her ability to earn an income.
Sparks seeks judgment against Smith not to exceed the statutory limit of her injuries. Against defendant Stemm and defendant Cruthis, the plaintiff seeks more than $50,000 from each, plus court costs. She is represented by attorney Joseph R. Brown of Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld and Dawson LLP in Edwardsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-234