A man who contends he suffered a laceration to his head, a concussion and a fractured elbow when he was assaulted by security at the Russian Lady bar in Harford earlier this month has filed a lawsuit against the nightclub, according to his lawyer.
The lawsuit, filed this week by Hartford-based attorney DeVaughn Ward, alleges that ownership of the bar was negligent in failing to hire security guards and bouncers with “adequate skill and knowledge” or properly train them prior to an incident on Nov. 4 involving a patron of the bar who was struck multiple times by staff at the club before falling down a flight of stairs and losing consciousness, the complaint states.
The incident was captured on video and was posted and reposted numerous times on social media last week, prompting both the Hartford Police Department and the Department of Consumer Protection to open investigations.
“Nobody deserves to be treated the way I was treated that night,” 28-year-old Joshua Gilmore said in a statement issued by Ward. “In addition to pursuing charges with the Hartford Police Department, I am calling on the Hartford City Council to join us in holding the Russian Lady accountable for their violent attacks on customers. It’s my hope that my ordeal and speaking up will bring about positive changes for folks who seek to enjoy all that Hartford has to offer.”
The lawsuit filed Monday names a number of defendants, including the bar’s owner, Jerry Fornarelli, FYC Entertainment LLC., which operates the bar, the club’s liquor license holder, Stephen Leighton, and Lewis Rivera, who is identified as an employee of FYC Entertainment who allegedly lied to police about the incident when police responded to the Russian Lady on the report of an assault.
Video that captured the incident shows a patron of the bar — identified in the lawsuit as Gilmore — being dragged down a set of stairs before being brought to his feet by men with shirts that read “Security.” Gilmore appears to be talking to one of the security members before he is punched twice, causing him to fall down a flight of stairs, the video shows. He can then be seen motionless at the bottom of the stairs with his head cocked to the side.
According to the complaint filed by Ward, Gilmore lost consciousness during the incident and suffered a laceration to the back of his head that was just over 3 inches long. Gilmore, who was also bleeding from the mouth, was taken to Hartford Hospital where he was treated for a concussion, a fractured elbow and abrasions scattered throughout his body, the lawsuit alleges.
No charges were filed when Hartford police responded to The Russian Lady at 1:45 a.m., though Ward contends this was due to Rivera lying to a police officer about the “details of the attack.”
Hartford police last week said they have opened an investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be filed in the wake of video of the assault going viral on multiple social media platforms. Additionally, the DCP said the liquor permittee of the bar agreed to voluntarily suspend the establishment’s license, closing the bar “until further notice.” State records reviewed Wednesday showed the bar’s liquor license as still suspended.
“Since being assaulted, it’s come to my attention that similar claims have been lodged against the Russian Lady previously,” Gilmore said through his attorney. “Several of these victims have reached out to offer words of support and validation, which have been greatly appreciated. I want to thank my family, friends, and strangers alike for the support that has been offered since the video of my assault has gone public. Despite being in a dark period of my life as a result of this incident, the support shows me that there’s still good in humanity.”
The lawsuit contends that Gilmore has incurred expenses for medical care, therapy and medications and has suffered lost wages as a result of his injuries, the effects of which he may feel for the rest of his life as they are described as “permanent in nature.” The lawsuit was filed in Hartford Superior Court and seeks more than $15,000 in monetary and punitive damages as well as “legal and equitable relief” and the costs of attorney fees.
“In addition to filing this complaint, Mr. Gilmore, through my office, will be lodging formal complaints with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division, and pursuing charges with the Hartford Police Department and Hartford’s State Attorney,” Ward said. “The conduct of the Russian Lady on November 4 was downright reprehensible and obviously criminal. We are calling on law enforcement officials for a robust, energetic, and swift investigation. Lastly, if you or someone you know has been assaulted by the Russian Lady staff, please do reach out to my law office.”
