Child hit by vehicle recovering
Published 12:04 pm Monday, June 28, 2010
A 10-year-old boy hit by a vehicle in March is walking with a limp following three surgeries at two hospitals.
“Every now and then, he aches, but it’s all right,” said Felicia Hill of her son, Reginald Sims, who was struck on March 19 while trying to cross Clay Street at Fifth North.
Reginald attempted to follow his 8-year-old brother, Jarquise Parker, across the four lanes of traffic but was hit by a Chevrolet Blazer.
The child was taken to River Region Medical Center where his spleen was removed that evening. He was transferred to University Medical Center in Jackson where he underwent two surgeries on his left knee, Hill said.
Hill said until about three weeks ago, her son was confined to a wheelchair, going to and from UMC for follow-up visits not including physical therapy.
The accident has taken a different toll on young Jarquise, spawning resentment in himself for entering the street first, their mother said.
“By his being with him (Reginald) and running across the street, he (Jarquise) thinks it’s his fault,” said Hill. “He’s been angry. He’s been acting out a lot at school. The school has been saying he needs counseling.”
Having taken a month and a half off from work, the mother has fallen behind in her bills and now, faces medical bills.
“I haven’t heard from anybody — the lawyers, the insurance company, anybody,” Hill said.
Hill said she has had difficulty with insurance and her lawyer settling Reginald’s hospital bills.