Marianna man awarded $50K in assault lawsuit
A Marianna man who was attacked in a local bar in 2008 was awarded $50,264 Monday by a Washington County judge.
Randy Knestrick filed a lawsuit against the Lamphouse Bar, 1754 E. Main St., Marianna, and Chad Smith, of 804 Ewing St., Washington, after he was attacked by Smith inside the bar on May 18, 2008.
In the lawsuit, Knestrick claimed Smith was intoxicated and threatened him before striking him in the face numerous times. Knestrick suffered cuts, bruises and fractures to his face, the loss of a tooth, injury to his facial muscles and scarring. He has undergone extended medical care for his injuries and suffered severe pain, humiliation and mental anguish, the lawsuit claimed.
Knestrick claimed in the lawsuit the bar, which is owned by Our Gang, Inc., was negligent in stopping the attack and Smith was negligent and guilty of assault and battery. Smith pleaded guilty before former Washington County Judge Paul Pozonsky in 2009 to simple assault. He was sentenced to 23 months of probation and ordered not to have contact with Knestrick.
Washington County Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca entered the judgment on Knestrick’s behalf after a nonjury trial. She also awarded Knestrick interest and costs.