SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Webster County man has filed a lawsuit against a Springfield nightclub, its managing officer and an alleged underage patron, claiming he was severely injured during an assault by a patron while clubbing last year.
According to a petition filed Jan. 12 in Greene County Circuit Court, Jacob Thornton of Rogersville alleges that Club Rodeo was negligent in allowing an underage patron, Hunter Rogers of Sparta, to consume alcohol before Rogers allegedly attacked Thornton on Aug. 22, 2025.
Thornton is seeking more than $25,000 in damages from the Aug. 22 incident, claiming he suffered permanent injuries to his face and head, lost income and ongoing medical expenses, the petition says.
Allegations against the club
The lawsuit alleges Club Rodeo failed to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors and continued to serve Rogers even after he was visibly intoxicated.
Thornton also accuses the nightclub of failing to provide proper security, training, and supervision to prevent violent incidents, alleging the business did not remove Rogers from the premises despite signs he posed a danger.
The petition further alleges that Club Rodeo should have been aware of Rogers' "dangerous propensities," claiming he had previously been involved in an assault at the same venue. Thornton contends the club failed to take adequate precautions or provide sufficient security to prevent a repeat incident.
The lawsuit asserts that the nightclub and its employees had a "special relationship" with patrons and therefore a duty to maintain a safe environment. Thornton says he relied on that expectation of safety when he was assaulted.
Allegations against Rogers
In separate counts, Thornton accuses Rogers of assault and negligence, alleging Rogers attacked him "in an intoxicated condition, without provocation, cause, or legal justification."
The petition states that Rogers was underage at the time and had become highly intoxicated from alcohol served by Club Rodeo employees. Thornton claims the assault left him with "severe and permanent injuries" requiring ongoing treatment.
Damages sought
Thornton seeks compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future care, as well as other damages deemed "fair and reasonable" by the court. The lawsuit lists multiple counts of negligence against all three defendants, including reckless disregard for patron safety.
Summons have been issued. Ozarks First reached out to Club Rodeo for comment and has not received a response.