The owners of a Washington Park club claim they are not liable for a dancing pole that allegedly detached from the ceiling, causing a dancer to fall on to the stage.
Angel Jones filed the complaint on March 31 against RCI Dining Services Inc.
According to the complaint, Jones was working as an entertainer at Scarlett’s Cabaret located at 5841 Bunkim Road in Washington Park, which is owned by RCI Dining Services. Jones alleges she was working on Feb. 1, 2019, when she was told by employees to dance on one of the stages at the club. While dancing, the pole on which she was hanging detached from the ceiling of the club, causing her to fall on to the stage.
Jones argues that the defendant failed to inspect the pole, failed to install the pole properly, failed to repair the pole, failed to make sure the pole was securely screwed to the ceiling, failed to warn that the pole might not be safe to use, and failed to make sure the stage was safe to dance on.
As a result, Jones alleges she suffered injuries to her right knee, experienced pain and disability, and incurred medical costs.
RCI Dining Services answered the complaint on May 22 through attorney Bradley Holt of Quintairos Prieto Wood & Boyer PA in Chicago, denying liability.
In its affirmative defenses, the defendant argues that Jones contributed to her own injuries “in that she held herself out as a professional with experience at pole dancing, and performed maneuvers she had selected, choreographed, practiced and/or planned, and performed after and/or while assessing the status of the equipment she would use.”
RCI Dining Services also filed third-party claims against Duhad Construction Inc., arguing that it had contracted to install the pole at issue on June 12, 2017. Duhad Construction allegedly performed the construction and installation in the center of the stage, including framing in a new ceiling.
“Duhad Construction had a duty of care in performing this installation in a workmanlike manner, adhering to applicable professional standards,” the suit states.
RCI Dining Services argues that if it is found liable for Jones’ injuries based on the failure of the pole, it is entitled to judgment against Duhad Construction.
Jones responded to the affirmative defenses on June 2, denying the allegations.
Jones seeks a judgment in her favor in excess of $50,000, plus costs.
She is represented by attorney Eric Evans of Evans/Blasi in Granite City.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 20-L-264