NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – In a recent development, we have received insights from an individual who was a victim of a shooting incident during an Easter brunch in Salemtown. Investigative journalist Courtney Allen from WSMV 4 had a conversation with the victim regarding her recovery process and the financial burden of medical expenses incurred.
Often, victims find themselves in unforeseen circumstances due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Jordan Lomellin not only faces substantial medical bills but also adds to the financial burden on taxpayers as revealed by our investigation, indicating that residents in Tennessee bear a higher cost compared to many other states.
The incident unfolded during what was meant to be a joyous Easter brunch, turning into a nightmare. Recalling the traumatic experience, Lomellin expressed, “Then just hell ensued.”
Amidst the chaos, gunshots rang out, resulting in a fatality and multiple injuries.
During a distressing 911 call, the dispatcher inquired, “How many people were shot?” to which the responder stated, “I just know one girl got shot in the leg.”
Identified as the individual in the call, Lomellin found herself seeking aid in a stranger’s driveway, captured on a doorbell camera as she reached out for help.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Lomellin emotionally shared, “I am bawling my eyes out on the ground because there is a giant hole in my leg.”
What was intended to be a trip from Indianapolis to Nashville with friends culminated in an unexpected ambulance journey to the hospital.
Sarah Burd-Sharps from EveryTown for Gun Safety highlighted the exorbitant costs associated with dealing with the aftermath of such violent incidents.
Notably, Tennessee stands out among the top 15 states in the U.S. for gun-related deaths and injuries, averaging over $2,600 per resident annually for expenses like law enforcement investigations and healthcare provisions under TennCare for victims.
The financial strain extends beyond the victims, impacting the community at large. Burd-Sharps emphasized that reallocating these resources could significantly benefit essential areas such as infrastructure and education.
States with stringent gun regulations witness fewer incidents, subsequently reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. For instance, residents in states with stricter laws pay 80% less than those in Tennessee.
Calls for legislative action echo through the words of Representative John Ray Clemmons, advocating for measures like safe storage laws and enhanced permit regulations to promote safety within Tennessee.
Moreover, a recent proposal endorsed by Clemmons aims to mandate the Tennessee Department of Health to furnish an annual report on firearm-related fatalities and injuries to facilitate informed policy decisions based on evolving trends.
Despite attempts to gather perspectives from Senate and House Republicans, no official statements were provided at the time of inquiry.
Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, Lomellin awaits the impending medical bills stemming from her brief hospitalization.
Struggling without insurance coverage through her workplace, she navigates the challenges of financing ongoing medical treatments, therapy sessions, and rehabilitation.
Lomellin’s family has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to alleviate the financial strain posed by her medical expenses.
Recent statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health underscore a rise in hospitalizations due to gunshot injuries, with patients averaging a nine-day hospital stay. Vanderbilt University Medical Center alone admitted over 450 individuals with gunshot wounds last year, marking it as the third leading cause of admissions following falls and vehicular accidents.
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