The Gold Club is asserting that two Beaumont residents, who claim a former bouncer assaulted them at the exotic dancing establishment, are responsible for causing the incident.
As previously reported, Lloyd Fore and Wayne Fregia filed suit against Fannett Entertainment, doing business as The Gold Club, on Jan. 24 in Jefferson County District Court.
On July 19 Gold Club filed an amended answer, asserting a defense of contributory negligence.
"Defendant would show that plaintiff was contributorily negligent and that such negligence proximately caused the occurrence in question," the answer states.
The plaintiffs were patrons at the establishment on July 2, 2009. They were seated in the back when Fore was allegedly "sucker punched by a former" Gold Club employee, the suit states.
Fregia came to Fore's aide and tackled the unnamed employee while other Gold Club employees "stood around and watched" the two being assaulted.
"Fregia was choked and beaten by the former employee as defendant's current employees did nothing," the suit states. "Upon leaving the establishment, plaintiffs went to the hospital to seek medical attention for the serious injuries they sustained."
The plaintiffs are suing for their alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages.
Beaumont attorney John Parsons of the Lindsay Law Firm represents them.
Houston attorney Aaron Pool of Donato, Minx, Brown & Pool represents Gold Club.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. A189-244