Mechanic Injured At Work

I was a hard working mechanic, working my way up into management. My life was without worry of financial hardship, and my family life was good. I had I what they call the American dream. That all changed the day I got hurt. I had worked my way up to a service manager job, and had a lot of knowledge in the automotive repair business.

I had started work at a Ford shop in April of 1987, and I fit in right away. The day I got hurt was June 6th 1987. I was working on a 96 Ranger pickup, setting the timing. I drove it in the shop and parked it in front of my work area. I asked a coworker to start the truck so I could check the timing. Instantly I was thrust against the work bench. I was in dismay at what just happened, and did not know the extent of my injuries.

I felt myself going into shock, and I seen the excited looks of the people in the shop. It seemed like hours before the truck was pulled away. I put out my right leg, and fell to the floor. My right leg would not hold my weight, as it snapped in half when the bumper hit me. I could not believe what had just happened. I pulled up my pant leg and was in horror at what I saw. The bone was sticking out from the skin, and my leg at the tibia was twisted.

I knew something happened to my left leg to. It was not broken, but later found out that the ligaments inside the knee tore in half. I was in the hospital for over a month, and had rigorous physical therapy. I felt so helpless. I went from caring for myself to being totally dependent on others. I do not remember that time anymore, and it brings back bad thoughts.

I have since had 12 surgeries. Been through a divorce after 24 years of marriage. The medication that I was on had a lot to do with it. I was not the same ever since. I have lost so many things since then. My family life is gone, my knew house is gone, my cars are gone.

I have not been able to work since the accident and when I tried, the pain was to bad, and was fired again and again. I finally had to accept that I could not go back to who I was anymore.

Important Notice

These stories represent the experiences and opinions of individual workers, and do not necessarily represent the views of Worker's Compensation Insurance . com, its owners or administrators. There can be great value in learining from the experiences of others, but nothing on this site constitutes legal or medical advice. If you require legal or medical assistance, please consult a licensed legal or medical professional in your state.