Greenbrier woman sues Charleston nightclub after she was hit with beer bottle

CHARLESTON - A Greenbrier County woman has files a suit against a local nightclub after she was injured in a fight.

Tara Gilkeson filed the suit Oct. 9 in Kanawha Circuit Court against The Sound Factory.

Gilkeson claims she suffered personal injury on April 11, 2007, when she was hit over the head with a beer bottle.

According to the suit, Gilkeson was preparing to leave The Sound Factory when she saw one of her friends being punched by another patron.

Gilkeson claims she approached her friend to find out what happened when the attacking patron allegedly hit Gilkeson over the head with a beer bottle, causing a cut above her right eye and permanent scarring.

In addition to the cut above her eye, Gilkeson claims she suffered swelling to her left cheek and scratches to the left side of her neck.

According to the suit, the woman who attacked Gilkeson, Lori Kerns, had been involved in a prior accident at the club and caused the premises to be unsafe.

Gilkeson claims The Sound Factory lacked proper security to protect its customers from violent attacks by individuals such as Kerns.

Gilkeson claims she suffered past medical expenses of at least $3,219. She claims she will suffer from future medical expenses, permanent scarring, past and future pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional distress.

She seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Scott H. Kaminski is representing Gilkeson. The case has been assigned to Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1986