Man sues nightclub after alleged assault

Plaintiff alleges he was attacked by drunken patron

A man who claims he was assaulted by a drunken patron is suing a Texarkana, Ark., nightclub for damages.

Rocky Martin Hudson of Texarkana, Texas, filed a complaint Thursday in Miller County circuit court with the help of Texarkana lawyer Bruce Condit which names Shooters Sports Bar as a defendant. Hudson claims staff at the bar did nothing to prevent or stop an obviously intoxicated customer from attacking and injuring him July 31, 2016.

Hudson alleges he and a friend, William Bird, entered the nightclub at approximately 10:45 p.m. According to the complaint, Bird “brushed up against an unknown female patron” who cussed at him and then reported him to the bar’s staff, who then asked Bird to leave.

Hudson alleges that he and Bird were followed as they walked out of the bar by Darrell Rutledge, who was allegedly noticeably drunk and that the men passed at least two bouncers as they made their exit.

“As he, Rutledge, approached plaintiff in an aggressive and menacing manner, plaintiff had his back to Rutledge, and Rutledge physically attacked plaintiff as agents and employees of Shooters Sports Bar stood by and watched,” the complaint states.

Hudson claims Shooters staff did nothing to warn him of Rutledge’s impending attack or remove Rutledge from the bar’s property.

“Darrell Rutledge had been exhibiting loud, obnoxious behavior in Shooters Sports Bar and was clearly visibly intoxicated,” the complaint alleges.

Hudson alleges Rutledge continued to punch and kick him after he lay unconscious on the concrete. The complaint accuses Shooters of negligence for failing to remove Rutledge from its premises after he became “unruly and threatening” and “clearly visibly intoxicated.” The suit alleges the bar created an environment “conducive to violence,” and failed to provide adequate security. The complaint alleges Shooters is guilty of violating Arkansas law

which prohibits the sale of alcohol to a person who is clearly intoxicated. Hudson lists his injuries as including a loss of consciousness, subarachnoid hemorrhage, nasal bone fracture, cranial fracture, facial bruising and scalp lacerations. Hudson is seeking compensation for his medical expenses as well as for pain, suffering, emotional upset, lost wages and for scarring.

Shooters has not yet been served with a copy of Hudson’s complaint. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Brent Haltom who serves Division two of the Eighth Judicial District South which includes Miller County.