PHILADELPHIA – Counsel representing a Moose Lodge in Coatesville and its Chicago-based parent organization are seeking to have a personal injury lawsuit filed against them transferred to Chester County.
Carol A. Murphy filed a motion on Tuesday to transfer the case from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas to its counterpart in Chester County, citing that the alleged incident causing the lawsuit took place there.
On Nov. 23, 2013, plaintiff Joseph Amann was invited to participate in a billiards tournament at Moose Lodge No. 297 in Coatesville. At the tournament, alcoholic beverages were being offered for the participants, and the suit alleges that bartenders Winnona Hill and Katie Allison overserved some of the lodge patrons.
Subsequently, the suit says, an altercation took place involving those drinking inside the lodge, and those patrons were asked to go outside to the parking lot.
Amann allegedly was not involved in the initial altercation, but the suit states that he was attacked by those patrons who exited the lodge. He was allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked in his head, face and torso. The suit alleges a lack of security present to intervene in the assault contributed to its severity.
The suit says Amann suffered multiple facial fractures and permanent disfigurement, which will require future facial reconstructive surgery.
Amann is seeking judgment in excess of $50,000, plus interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other relief.
The plaintiff is represented by James P. Goslee and James Gordon Begley III of Cohen Placitella & Roth, in Philadelphia.
The defendants are represented by Carol A. Murphy and Joseph D. Ferris Jr., both also in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas case no. 150700277
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nickpennrecord@gmail.com