Defense Verdict in Case Involving Severe Injuries in Ejected Concert Patron

Bryce Pfalzgraf secured a defense verdict in a jury trial in St. Louis City in a case involving a concert patron who was ejected from a venue and suffered injuries to his head, leg, and wrist. The plaintiff, a 56-year-old truck driver, was escorted out of the concert venue after receiving a report that he was bothering another patron or staff member. The plaintiff later re-entered through an exit door to retrieve a sweatshirt left at a merchandise table. He was stopped by a guard and instructed to enter through the front entrance. A staff member or guard then were claimed to have grabbed, struck, shoved, and/or kicked plaintiff, resulting in him falling to the ground and sustaining injuries. His immediate injuries included a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur that required surgery, along with a scalp laceration. Plaintiff also claimed a right wrist injury and a head injury that included frequent headaches and associated vision problems. Plaintiff claimed future medical care for his injuries. Plaintiff spent about three weeks in the hospital, which was followed by inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient physical therapy. Witnesses gave conflicting accounts about what occurred at the exit door. Defendants generally argued that plaintiff failed to carry his burden in establishing the cause of his injuries. Plaintiff asked the jury for $2.35 million in damages. After a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict that assessed no fault to either party.