Woman on Bench Killed in Crash Near Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA

Jamaica Plain, MA (October 2, 2026) – A driver drove a car into a building on the Faulkner Hospital campus on Thursday, October 1, around 10:45 a.m. 

According to the Boston Police Department, the car first hit a woman sitting on a bench outside the hospital. She died while being treated.

Two people inside the car were injured. All three were taken into Faulkner Hospital for treatment. The car hit the wall of the Belkin House building and struck a gas line.

Four members of the emergency units were evaluated for gas exposure. Gas service to the rest of the hospital was shut off afterward. 

The investigation remains open as detectives work to learn what led to the car hitting the building. 

Our condolences go out to the woman's loved ones and everyone affected.

How Long Do Families Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Jamaica Plain, MA?

After a fatal accident, Massachusetts generally gives families three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A personal representative of the estate usually brings the claim on behalf of eligible family members. Some circumstances can shorten the timeline, so it is important to confirm the deadline early. 

The statute allows recovery for the fair monetary value of what the person's loss means to surviving family, including lost income, guidance, and companionship. Funeral and burial costs can be part of a claim as well. 

A separate claim for pain and suffering before death may exist depending on the facts of each case. Under this claim, punitive damages may be possible when conduct was willful, reckless, or grossly negligent. Claims that involve a public entity can carry shorter notice requirements than a standard lawsuit.

It is crucial to note that evidence tends to disappear faster than the deadline arrives. Busy Boston corridors are lined with businesses whose security cameras may record over footage within days. Vehicle data, phone records, and witness memories can also fade. 

To make the process easier to handle, many families turn to a wrongful death lawyer to help them open the estate paperwork, track each deadline, and send preservation requests before key records are lost.

Families weighing a wrongful death claim commonly have questions about deadlines, who may file, and what the process involves. At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we are open to walking them through how Massachusetts law generally handles those issues and how it may affect their specific case. 

If your family is dealing with a similar situation, you can reach Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568 to go over your situation and learn more about your options. We are here to guide you through the process. 

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.