St. Louis Injury Lawyer Blog

Roper's Regal Beagle lost a case against an Ottawa, IL resident who sought damages for injuries sustained in a bar fight.

Represented by WWF&G Attorney Michael P. Glisson, plaintiff James Ceja received a $35,000 verdict from the Madison County jury in last week's dramshop case. According to the Madison/St. Clair Record, the award covered $24,000 in medical bills, $1,500 for pain and suffering and $9,000 in lost income. The insurance company offered $5,000 before the trial.

The fight two years ago pitted Ceja against Regal Beagle customer Michael Whittman, who became intoxicated by drinking alcohol purchased at the bar and rained blows upon Ceja. The fight caused Ceja to become injured and miss work time. Whittman settled the civil case earlier this year with the customer, but Glisson also held the Regal Beagle responsible for Ceja's injuries.

Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla presided over the trial, which began on Sept. 7.

Continue reading "Ottawa Man Obtains Dramshop Liability Verdict Against Godfrey Tavern" »

The City of Collinsville has settled out of court for a case in which a city police officer caused a car accident.

The plaintiff, who was represented by Attorney Michael P. Glisson, suffered injuries to her left shoulder, neck and lower back on Nov. 9, 2007 when a Collinsville police officer ran a red light at the intersection of Keebler Ave. and Beltline Rd. in Collinsville. Since the T-bone collision accident, The driver has undergone two back surgeries, and she has permanent limitations as a result of the crash.

The officer failed to use his sirens while entering the intersection at a red light. On his way back from a defensive driving class, the officer heard the police dispatcher calling officers to respond to a bank robbery. The officer testified that he was going to assist with the robbery, but failed to inform the dispatcher that he was on his way.

A witness to the wreck testified in a deposition that the plaintiff had the green light and that the officer appeared to be putting on his coat while going through a red light. The police car swung around and struck a second car also going through the green light. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 103,156 people were injured in car accidents in 2007, and 1248 people died.

The depositions of numerous officers and personnel were taken concerning the incident and procedures. The case was settled for a significant amount before a trial was necessary.

Continue reading "Collinsville Illinois Car Accident Caused by Local Police Officer Resolved" »