EDWARDSVILLE - A Wood River woman who was involved in an accident with an alleged drunk driver has filed a lawsuit against the Alton tavern that allegedly served him alcohol.
The lawsuit filed April 6 in Madison County Circuit Court alleges that Kayleigh Schleeper was driving on Route 143 in Wood River on April 12, 2021, when her vehicle was struck by a vehicle driven by Aeron M. Tourville. The lawsuit seeks damages under the state’s Dram Shop Act.
According to the suit, Tourville visited Fast Eddie’s Bon Air Inc. in Alton, where he allegedly purchased enough alcohol that he became intoxicated. Court documents also indicate that employees at the bar served him quantities of alcohol that were great enough to result in his inebriation.
The lawsuit alleges that employees allowed Tourville to leave the establishment and drive his vehicle.
After Tourville left Fast Eddie’s, the lawsuit alleges that he collided with Schleeper, causing life-threatening injuries. Schleeper claims to have suffered internal and external injuries as a result of the collision, some of which could be permanent.
Schleeper also claims missed work and lost wages and that she incurred a large amount of medical bills. She also missed her college exams, where she is studying to be a pharmacist, according to the suit, which also noted that she was not able to go about her daily routine as a result of the injuries she suffered in the accident.
The lawsuit is seeking $50,000, court costs, and any other amount that the court may deem as “just.”
Schleeper is represented by East Alton attorney Christopher M. Donohoo, according to court documents.
Madison County Circuit Court case number LA450.