A member of the American Legion Post in Sheppton, East Union Township, filed a civil suit in Schuylkill County court claiming the post was negligent in allowing him to become intoxicated which caused him to fall down a flight of steps and injure himself after leaving the post.

The suit was started by Joseph Longo and his wife, Janette Longo, Ringtown, and both are seeking damages in excess of $50,000.In the suit Long states on Aug. 11, 2010, he was a patron on the premises from 2:37 to 9:42 p.m. when he left the premises he fell, blaming it on being intoxicated.The suit states that at around 9:58 p.m. East Union Township police found him lying on the ground at the base of a wooden staircase and that he fell down 10 to 12 steps. Police observed he had a heavy smell of alcohol and he was was taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, where a blood test showed his blood/alcohol content to be .218 percent. He also suffered lacerations of the head, hand and leg.In the suit he claims his injuries are permanent and is seeking damages in excess of $50,000. His wife, Janette, is also seeking excess of $50,000 for being denied the care, comfort, companionship and consortium.