Hi,

Just going to make a comment, don't bite my head off but am interested in your thoughts.

I'm not sure of the amount of sci people who were insured at the time of accident or received compensation through it not being their fault, i assume its a fair few,now these people although severely injured at least saw some financial help come their way which was put to use with regards to buying/converting a suitable property, maybe starting a new business or retraining? plus going on breaks etc etc

I appreciate no amount of money will compensate for whats been lost but it certainly helps on the practicalities.

Now what about those of us who were'nt insured etc and received nothing! maybe some have lost jobs,security,houses [through insufficient access problems]spouses thus burdening single people,extra expenses because of disability-eg converting vehicles,rhen having to survive on paltry government handouts we are the forgotten statistics

We have a system in New Zealand where you can’t sue for injury but there is a state compensation scheme with a lump sum plus 80% of income if unable to work, medical fees, retraining.

Being really eager to have a major accident I became SCI four years before this scheme launched. So, along with nonaccident people (transverse myelitis, MS, etc) I missed out. But I’ve always regarded that as probably a good thing because I had no choice but to be motivated to get back working as quick as possible and it worked well for me. But for some it is darn tough.

What has happened, particularly when the state compensation was first introduced, is that many people showed no interest in returning to work and even made more of their injury to receive the 80% income. For many, I don’t think their lives are better for that.

One thing I am sure of is that if no big bundle of compensation is coming your way it’s not going to make life any better bitching about it. Curse your luck then get on with the best you can make out of life. I can’t see a better choice.

too true friend,i was only musing on the subject but have long since accepted my position and know that nobody said life is fair,actually i am quite settled and content with y life,just that sometimes look back at what i lost which is not a good idea,was watching a documentary about abandoned children in bulgaria and that puts a lot of things in perspective

Yeah, life ain't fair. Of course, there is always the option of becoming a political activist and fighting for equal rights. I guess we all have our bit to play in that. I had my rage in my younger days so have respect for anyone willing to take that path. Its rough and frustrating.

Nowadays, I don't expect to change the world. But I do try to be fair in my own life. I think when my time ends it'd be acceptable to say, He didn't do much damage.