EDWARDSVILLE – A Granite City bartender denies that her dog attacked a man without provocation as he was leaving the Kopp's Korner bar after he sued for negligence.
Plaintiff Victor M. Brooks filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against defendants Kopp's Korner, Inc, doing business as Kopp's Korner Too, and Marilyn S. Duckett, citing negligence in violation of the Illinois Animal Control Act.
According to the lawsuit, on May 3, 2021 the plaintiff was a patron at the Kopp's Korner bar in Granite City. Defendant Duckett was a bartender employed by Kopps and kept a Pit Bull chained near the rear entrance. The plaintiff states that after he had a few drinks, he attempted to leave the bar via the rear entrance and attacked by the defendant's Pit Bull.
Duckett answered the complaint on May 26, denying that her dog attacked Brooks without provocation. She is representing herself pro se.
Brooks claims he sustained severe injuries in the alleged attack, which have caused him to experience disability, disfigurement, pain, suffering and lost wages. He adds that he has incurred medical expenses and will continue to require the services of medical staff to recover.
The lawsuit states that under the Illinois Control Act, the owner of a dog is liable for injuries caused by the animal.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented in this case by attorney Peter S. Blasi of Evans Blasi in Granite City.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2023LA000619