Trial News

John Ribeiro was talking to two other patrons at the Peppermint Hippo nightclub in North Little Rock, Ark. The manager on duty allegedly approached Ribeiro, took the drink from his hands, and struck him across the face while a bouncer stood next to them. The manager and bouncer forced Ribeiro outside into the parking lot. Ribeiro, who was intoxicated, entered the nearby highway and was struck and killed by a vehicle. He is survived by his parents and siblings.

Ribeiro’s father, individually and on behalf of his estate, sued Vision’s d/b/a Peppermint Hippo, alleging battery. The plaintiffs also asserted that the defendant should have made sure Ribeiro did not leave the parking lot without a safe ride home and should have made sure he remained supervised while in the parking lot, which was in close proximity to the highway.

The jury awarded $1.16 million.

Citation: Ribeiro v. Vision’s, No. 60CV-22-2974 (Ark. Cir. Ct. Pulaski Cnty. Feb. 24, 2025).

Plaintiff counsel: Andrew M. Taylor, Amanda Amick-Lytle, and Tory H. Lewis, all of Little Rock, Ark.