Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Over Chicago Woman's Death in Hotel Freezer
The mother of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old woman who tragically died in a hotel freezer in 2017, has reached a settlement in her lawsuit against the hotel and other parties involved. Court records show that a settlement was reached in August, although the terms have not been made public due to a request for sealing by Jenkins' mother's attorneys. A judge denied the sealing request but asked for it to be resubmitted. A status hearing is scheduled for next week, with the trial set to begin on October 16.
Privacy Concerns and Safety
Attorneys for Jenkins' mother argued that the family's safety and privacy should take precedence over the public filing of the settlement records. They cited threats made against various individuals involved in the case, including Jenkins' mother, witnesses, and the defendants.
Negligence Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in December 2018, accused the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, its security company, and a restaurant that rented the walk-in freezer of negligence. It claimed that the defendants failed to secure the freezer or conduct a proper search when Jenkins went missing.
Tragic Circumstances
Jenkins was discovered dead in the freezer on September 10, 2017, almost 24 hours after she disappeared from a party at the Crowne Plaza. The medical examiner's office determined her cause of death to be hypothermia, ruling it as an accident. Alcohol intoxication and the use of medication were also contributing factors.
In conclusion, the settlement in the lawsuit surrounding Kenneka Jenkins' death brings some closure to her mother, but the terms remain undisclosed. The case raises important discussions about privacy, safety, and the duty of establishments to ensure the well-being of their guests.
Hot Take: The Impact of Safety and Privacy Concerns on New Businesses
The recent settlement reached in the lawsuit over the tragic death of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old woman who died in a hotel freezer, raises significant concerns that could impact new businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector.
Importance of Privacy and Safety
The lawsuit highlights the critical importance of ensuring the safety and privacy of guests. New businesses, especially those in the service industry, should prioritize these aspects to avoid potential legal issues and to maintain their reputation.
Addressing Negligence
The negligence allegations in the lawsuit underscore the need for businesses to be diligent in their operations. New businesses should establish robust safety protocols and regularly review and update them to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
Handling Tragic Circumstances
The tragic circumstances surrounding Jenkins' death serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence. New businesses should have crisis management plans in place to handle such situations effectively.
In conclusion, the settlement in the lawsuit surrounding Jenkins' death, while bringing some closure to her mother, serves as a wake-up call for new businesses. It underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and privacy, addressing negligence, and being prepared to handle tragic circumstances.