Counselor Killed Outside of Hospital

 Posted on August 27, 2015 in Personal Injury

Kenneth Collins, 43, was killed when a car jumped the curb and struck him outside Roseland Community Hospital, according to the chtribune. According to the Tribune, Collins "worked to give hope and counseling to troubled teens" at the hospital, where he had been hired about a month ago as a mental health counselor. "He had previously worked in Division One at Cook County Jail as a Cook County Sheriff’s officer for about eight years," the deceased’s mother told the Tribune.

The driver who lost control of his car was not reported to have been drinking. He remained at the scene, and "told police that he lost control and veered over the center." There was nothing premeditated, no foul play involved with the accident. The deceased’s mother told the Tribune"it was just an accident. A tragic accident."

While Collins’ death was, of course, a bleak exception, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Center for Statistics and Analysis, "since 1997, pedestrian fatalities have declined by 10 percent." This drop was the largest decrease in motor vehicle deaths among any category in that report. Pedestrian fatalities make up about 10–11 percent of the total number of fatalities killed in crashes.

If you or someone you know was hit by a car, you may be entitled to damages. The court first has to find the driver liable, you will be able to recoup any medical expenses. If the pedestrian was killed in the incident—as in the Collins’ case—you may be able to seek a wrongful death case. This is especially true if the driver did not stay at the scene but was responsible for the crash. To determine if this is the case for you, contact a dedicated Chicago-area personal injury lawyer today.