A Chicago woman is suing multiple parties including an allegedly convicted felon, claiming negligence in a violent and suddent 2014 confrontation which she claims constituted unlawful assault in a department store.
Shanisa Pinkson sued Conway Two LLC, doing business as Conway Department Store; Gail Seaton; and the store’s successor in interest National Stores Inc., on Aug. 5 in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging negligence in a January 2014 incident.
The suit states that Pinkson was a patron of the Conway Department Store at 7601 S. Cicero Ave., in Chicago’s Ford City Mall, on Aug. 16, 2013, and that Seaton was present as a security guard.
According to the complaint, Pinkson purchased items and attempted to exit the store when Seaton blocked her way, grabbed the plaintiff by the pony tail, produced a razor and intentionally slashed the plaintiff’s face along her jaw line just above her neck.
The lawsuit states that Pinkson suffered bodily harm, pain, loss of blood, fright, distress, permanent disfigurement, and medical expenses. Additionally, she states that the attack was of an insulting and provoking nature.
Claiming that the store should have known Seaton would be armed due to her history and made no effort to help her while waiting for first responders, Pinkson charges the defendants severally with assault, premises liability, negligent hiring and supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit includes documentation of Seaton’s criminal record obtained from the court.
The plaintiff demands judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional amount, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. She is represented by Charles Snowden in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L007994.