Workers Comp Accident Drains Grant Seeking Disabled Couple Grocery Money
by Gail
I married for the second time 19 years ago. We have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls, and we have 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I've never been in the military nor has my husband. We both come from a long line of military service within our family trees dating back to the Revolutionary War. My husband was declared disabled by Social Security standards over five years ago when a 400-pound hog lunged at him and knocked him down damaging his knee. He had six weeks of therapy, an x-ray and then six more weeks of therapy. The company doctor finally sent him to a knee specialist who wanted an open MRI done which the insurance company refused saying it was not necessary. A closed MRI was done which did not find all the damage. After exploratory surgery my husband was still in constant pain. The knee specialist demanded the open MRI, which eventually the insurance approved. This led to the second surgery, which did not help. Eventually Workers Compensation insurance gave in to replacement surgery, but not until they were darn good and ready three years after the injury occurred. During this time I have done my best to care for my husband, our home, our auto and my disabled elderly mother. It's been almost six years since my husband was injured and there's no settlement yet. I haven't the time or the talents to seek employment. We've downsized from three autos to one. We've stopped doing repairs on our home due to lack of funding. I've stopped taking needed medication due to lack of funding and insurance. We cannot afford enough good quality fresh fruits and vegetables or meats to keep the both of us healthy. Between caring for my disabled husband and my elderly disabled mother there is no time for me to work full or part time. I have applied for Social Security Disability due to sciatica, a bulging disc and degenerative disc disease but have had no luck accomplishing that. I am not eligible for food stamps or welfare. My husband receives a piddling $80 a month, which will not keep him alone in milk, bread and eggs for a month. With winter coming, my husband and I need money for food and energy, as well as auto repairs or possibly the purchase of a newer auto.
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