Description

Author Freddie Lee Williams shares a personal account of the arduous journey that he endured to receive worker’s compensation benefits owed to him. His ordeal began in 1978. With his wife and children in Blytheville, Arkansas, he walked through a picket line of employees on strike and took a job in a factory. This would prove to be a life-changingdecision that kicked off a 20-year legal battle.

Because of his strenuous job, he began to complain of wrist pain to his supervisor. Despite Williams’ intense pain and swelling, the supervisor insisted that he continue to work. When the agony became too much to bear, he was referred to a company doctor and treated. Then, although his wrist had not healed fully, he was sent back to work in the same strenuous position. Shortly after he reported to work, he slipped on a wet floor in the factory. The doctor discovered a serious back injury. Even though Williams was unable to handle the severe pain, the company refused to cover any medical treatment. Unable to work, Freddie Lee Williams, his wife, and children were often homeless and his family members could not take them in because they too had financial problems. He had no choice but to continue his battle for worker's compensation which was never paid to him.