CHATHAM, Ill. — Authorities are investigating a fatal accident involving a Jeep that crashed into an after-school program building on April 28.
The accident happened at approximately 3:20 p.m. at YNOT Outdoors, an after-school camp on Breckenridge Road. A black Jeep left the road, traveled through a field, crossed a street and a parking lot, then struck the east side of the building. The vehicle continued through the structure, hitting several children and workers before exiting on the other side.
Ella Orsi, 7, was identified as one of the injured. She suffered facial fractures, a broken jaw, brain swelling, and other serious injuries. She remains in the pediatric intensive care unit, where doctors are monitoring her condition.
The accident tragically killed three children, all 7 or 8 years old, and an 18-year-old worker at the program.
Illinois State Police confirmed the crash was not a targeted attack and continue to investigate the circumstances. Surveillance footage captured the vehicle’s path before impact. Officials have not yet released additional details.
Ella Orsi seriously injured in Chatham building accident
CRASH INVESTIGATION
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
She noted that in cases such as this it’s important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to better preserve any evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond. “A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Ella Orsi may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, pending the results of the investigation.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. That’s where an attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added.
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
