Man suing bouncers and bar over injuries

‘GROSSLY INTOXICATED’: Suit claims he was served too much alcohol and hurt during violent ouster

A man who alleges he was severely injured when he was thrown out of a Kamloops bar that had served him alcoholic drinks until he was drunk is suing the bar and two of the bouncers for damages.

Joey Placek, an electrical supplies salesman, says on Sept. 8, 2014, he bought and drank a dozen or more Jack Daniels bourbon shooters at the Commodore Grand Cafe and Lounge. He says he became “grossly intoxicated” and passed out.

Without advance warning, Placek says, a bouncer named Steven Liss and a second bouncer identified in the lawsuit only as John Doe grabbed him by the arms and dragged or carried him toward the entrance.

Placek says he was thrown out the front door and into a metal railing, striking his head and hands and falling heavily to the concrete.

“As the plaintiff struggled to stand, the defendant Steven Liss punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, unconscious,” says the notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court.

“The defendant Steven Liss then jumped onto the plaintiff’s back and punched him multiple times in the head while he lay on the pavement unconscious.”

Placek says he suffered a moderately severe traumatic brain injury with multiple contusions and lesions, post-concussion syndrome, multiple herniations to the spine and fractured and dislocated fingers.

He claims the assault and resulting injuries were caused solely by the negligence of the bar, John Doe and Liss, who he alleges had a “well-known reputation” for aggression and violence.

The bar sold the drinks in “quick succession” when it knew or ought to have known that this would cause rapid and severe intoxication, and failed to have an adequate policy to deal with intoxicated persons, Placek’s lawsuit says.

The plaintiff is seeking general, special and punitive damages. The lawsuit contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

A man who answered the phone at the bar said the matter had been referred to the establishment’s insurance company and its lawyers, and declined further comment. He declined to give his name.