Portillo's Reopens Dining Room After Fatal Crash, Law Firm Calls For Safety Measures

OSWEGO, IL — The law firm representing the family of the 2-year-old boy who was killed in the July 30 crash at Portillo's called for "immediate safety action and accountability."

A car, driven by a woman from Canton, Michigan, slammed through the entrance of the popular restaurant, leaving 12 people injured and the toddler dead, Patch reported. Eight people were hospitalized and five were treated at the scene and released.

GWC Injury Lawyers, a Chicago-based law firm, said the crash at the restaurant on Route 34 was "entirely foreseeable and preventable" had the establishment had concrete parking bumpers or protective safety bollards between the parking lot and entrance, attorneys wrote in a Tuesday news release.

"What is shocking is that Portillo's has concrete parking bumpers along the side of its building where there are no glass door entryways, and it has 2 safety bollards preventing damage to its parking lot light pole," the firm wrote in a release. "So, the company chose to protect the side of its building and a light pole, yet it continues to ignore the health and well-being of patrons dining in their restaurant through its decisions to carelessly design its parking lot and entranceway."

The firm said Portillo's "omissions [are] even more glaring" since other businesses nearby, including Raising Cane's and Walmart, already have protective bollards installed in front of their entrances.

"This kind family has suffered an unimaginable, senseless loss," Louis C. Cairo, managing partner at the firm, said in a statement. "In addition to securing maximum compensation for this family, we also will fight to ensure that no other family has to endure the tragic loss and suffering that this family is currently going through right now and will go through forever."

RELATED: After 'Unimaginable' Portillo's Tragedy, Kauffman Says 'Nothing Is Off The Table' In Safety Discussions

The firm is also representing 10 patrons "suffering physical and emotional damages" as a result of what police called a "tragic accident."

The Portillo's dining room remained closed for about three weeks after the crash. The restaurant announced its Aug. 18 reopening with the following statement on Facebook:

Our dining room is now open, and we are ready to welcome our community back. This has been a difficult time, and our hearts continue to be with everyone affected by the tragic accident that occurred three weeks ago.

As we reopen our doors, our focus remains on supporting our guests, our team, and the community. We are grateful for the care and support we've received, and we look forward to serving you with the same dedication and heart that defines Portillo's.

RELATED: GoFundMe Campaign Started For Family Of Boy, 2, Killed In Portillo's Crash

The day after the tragedy, Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman said while the village has long required bollards for outdoor dining spaces, officials will begin considering other safety measures and "nothing is off the table."

At the village's Aug. 4 meeting, board members held a moment of silence in honor of the 2-year-old boy who was killed. Kauffman said that in response to the crash, Portillo's plans to install barriers in front of its entrance on its own volition — the village only requires barriers for permanent outdoor seating.

RELATED: No Charges Filed In Portillo's Crash That Killed 2-Year-Old, Investigation Continues: Oswego PD

The law firm said it supports village efforts "and calls on both public officials and private property owners to implement the necessary safety measures, including bollards, parking bumpers, protective barriers and restricting nose-in parking spots in front of glass entries and perimeter walls to prevent future loss of life."

Cairo added, "Our clients want justice, not just in the courtroom, but in policy and practice. This tragedy did not have to happen. And with real accountability, this will not happen again. We need to make sure that this beautiful child’s death is not completely in vain."

As of Aug. 1, no charges had been filed in connection with the tragedy.