'American Idol' Finalist's Friend Sues Palatine Bar Over Brawl

PALATINE, IL — The Palatine bar that was the scene of a brawl between employees and an "American Idol" finalist's group of friends is now facing a lawsuit connected with the incident earlier this summer. Alan Chislof, 30, of Wheeling, is suing the Lamplighter Inn and a worker for alleged battery, as well as negligence in training, hiring and other matters concerning safety, gossip site TMZ reports. Haley Reinhart, Chislof's friend and a Wheeling native who appeared in the ninth season of "American Idol," is accused of hitting a bouncer in the July 8 melee, and she's been charged with misdemeanor battery.

According to the lawsuit, Adam Sobanski, a Lamplighter employee, allegedly choked Chislof to the ground during the brawl and then repeatedly punched him while he was down. When police arrived at the bar, Chislof was discovered with injuries to his head and face, as well as a concussion and multiple cuts and bruises that required an emergency room visit, Chislof's lawyer said after the incident.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages, including medical expenses, the Chicago Tribune reports. In the suit, Chislof also claims he suffered "emotional distress" and "disfigurement from the incident, the report added. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Palatine news. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Sobanski, 32, was arrested July 19 and charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery for the alleged assault. He was released on $45,000 bail. A video posted TMZ shows Chislof fighting with men who his attorney claims are Lamplighter employees.

More Patch Coverage:

• Former 'American Idol' Contestant Arrested In Palatine
• 'American Idol' Finalist's Friend Choked By Palatine Bar Worker: Cops
• 'American Idol' Finalist In Court For Palatine Bar Brawl

Palatine police said officers responded to a call from the Lamplighter, 60 N. Bothwell St., at about 2 a.m. July 8 concerning disruptive customers who refused to leave the bar after they were asked to leave. Employees at the nightclub told police that Reinhart, 26, and her group of friends were kicked out of the bar when they allegedly knocked over a table. Employees were escorting the group out when Reinhart is accused of arguing with security before allegedly punching a bouncer in the face.

Reinhart's trial is set for Oct. 6. Since the incident, Dina Lapolt, Reinhart's attorney, has said her client will be cleared of the charges. Lapolt claims security assaulted Reinhart when the staff tried to foribly remove her from the premises, and her client also is considering legal action against the Lamplighter.

More via TMZ

Haley Reinhart (Photo via Patch archive)

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