Attack at Drexel University leads to assault and battery lawsuit

A Marlton, N.J. man who was assaulted on property owned by Drexel University is suing the college and the man who allegedly attacked him.

Cherry Hill, N.J. attorney John A. Klamo filed the assault and battery lawsuit July 5 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Justin McLeod.

Named as defendants are Drexel University and Philadelphia resident Saladean Torrence.

According to the complaint, McLeod was at Drexel’s campus on July 5, 2009, when he was struck on the head by defendant Torrence. The blow caused the plaintiff to sustain head trauma, laceration of his right eye requiring stitches and psychological trauma, the suit claims.

As a result of the incident, McLeod had to spend considerable sums of money for medical treatment, the lawsuit states.

The complaint accuses Drexel University of negligence, since it had control over the property where the incident took place.

According to defendant Torrence’s criminal docket sheet, he pleaded guilty to various criminal charges in January of this year and has been sentenced to serve state prison time.

The civil suit alleges that McLeod may be unable to work in the future because of his injuries, negatively affecting his earnings and earning capacity.

McLeod has also suffered a loss of life’s pleasures and the enjoyment of his usual duties.

McLeod demands judgment against the defendants in a sum below $50,000, together with interest and court costs.

The non-jury matter is scheduled for arbitration in March 2012.

The case number is 110700113.