Verdicts: Milton Patterson v. Rags to Riches Comedy Shop
XIV/14-26 ASSAULT PATRON ASSAULTED AT NIGHTCLUB AFTER DISPUTE OVER COAT NASAL FRACTURE, CONCUSSION, AND BRAIN INJURY
SETTLEMENT: Milton Patterson v. Rags to Riches Comedy Shop, John Gizzo, and Shawn McCollin 21428/93 Date of Settlement 6/13/96 Bronx Supreme
Pltf. Attorney: Edward Sivin and Glenn D. Miller of Sivin, Miller & Roche LLP, Manhattan
This case settled for $900,000 for a 26-year-old hospital librarian who claimed that he suffered injuries as a result of an assault by two bouncers on 3/28/93 at the Deft. nightclub, Rags to Riches, located in Manhattan. Pltf. claimed that he had checked his coat when he arrived at the nightclub, and misplaced his coat check. when he was ready to leave at 1 AM, he was told that he would have to wait until closing time at 4 AM to get his coast, to be sure that he got the correct one. At 4 AM, there was only one other patron left at the nightclub, and she was a woman. Pltf. contended that when he spoke up and asked if he could have the remaining coat, which he claimed was his, an argument ensued with the two bouncers and they assaulted him.
Injuries: fractured nose, requiring surgery; facial lacerations; concussion; traumatic brain injury, for which Pltf. received treatment at the Rusk Institute in Manhattan. He has difficulty concentrating and experiences memory difficulties. Pltf. was out of work for 2 weeks.