Man sues Banana Joe's for 2005 attack

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County resident has sued a Charleston nightclub after he was attacked and severely injured by patrons and a bouncer there.

Keith W. Jones filed a suit Jan. 16 against G&S Holdings LLC, also known as Banana Joe's Island Party, as well as Charleston Entertainment and the bouncer, John Doe.

On March 26, 2005, Jones was a patron at Banana Joe's, located at 205 Capitol St., when he was attacked by two men "who came charging at him," the suit says.

Jones says he defended himself, and pushed one of the men away. At that time, an unknown bouncer grabbed Jones.

"John Doe then slammed (Jones') head against a pole located on the premises," the suit says. "The bouncer repeated such action, slamming (Jones') head into the pole again."

As a result of the bouncer's actions, Jones says he has suffered severe and permanent injuries, including vision disturbance and headaches, and has incurred medical expenses.

The suit states that Banana Joe's failed to have a safety plan to protect Jones from harm and, therefore, breached a duty of care to protect its patrons.

Jones is seeking punitive damages from the company and John Doe.

He is being represented by Michael T. Clifford. The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-90