Man says he is confined to life in nursing home after being struck by vehicle

The guardian of a disabled man's estate alleges the man is confined in a nursing home for the remainder of his life after a driver for the Belleville News Democrat struck the man with his vehicle.

Joanna Culley filed a lawsuit Nov. 7 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Cypress Media, The Belleville News Democrat, the McClatchy Company and Randy McCray.

In her complaint, Culley alleges Dennis Leroy Williams was walking north on 22nd Street in East St. Louis on Nov. 17, 2012, at about 6:26 a.m. on his way to his sister's house. At the same time, the 57-year-old McCray was driving his 2000 Chevrolet Blazer south on the same road, the suit states.

"Mr. McCray was driving his vehicle backward when he ran over Dennis Leroy Williams with his Blazer," the suit states. "Following the accident, McCray left the scene of the accident without stopping to determine whether Mr. Williams was injured."

Because of the collision, Williams received permanent and severe injuries that require skilled nursing care for the remainder of his life and he suffered permanent brain injuries, according to the complaint.

Culley blames McCray for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, left the scene of the accident, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove backward down a road.

In her complaint, Culley seeks a judgment of more than $225,000, plus costs.

Attorney Robert D. Rowland, of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland in Edwardsville, will represent Culley.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-737.