KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Retired Fire Captain’s Fight for Recognition
In the heart of Knoxville, a retired firefighter is sounding the alarm about the struggles he faces after suffering a life-changing injury on the job. Chris Patterson, once a proud captain of the local fire department, found himself in a devastating situation just days before Christmas 2022 when he was responding to a house fire. During a critical rescue operation, the ladder he was on “gave way”, resulting in a catastrophic fall that shattered his back.
Enduring Pain and Seeking Relief
Since that fateful day, Patterson has been living in near-constant pain. He describes his discomfort as “chronic pain,” akin to having an abscessed tooth for nearly two years, but localized in his lower back. “It’s been almost two years, and every day is a real struggle. I endure the stress, the pain, sleepless nights, and even loss of appetite,” he shared. Sadly, it’s not just pain affecting his life; he has also developed tremors in his leg, compounding the agony of his condition.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Spinal Cord Stimulator
Recently, Patterson’s surgeons proposed a potential solution—a spinal cord stimulator. “They believe I’m a good candidate for this surgery,” he said. However, before proceeding, he has to pass a psychological evaluation to show he can endure the recovery process. “What I’ve gone through is far worse than what this surgery entails, and I passed the evaluation without any issues,” explained Patterson.
The Frustration with Workman’s Compensation
The challenge remains in the approval process for his surgery, as the company managing his workman’s compensation claim has been notably slow to act. During a recent Knoxville City Council meeting, Patterson voiced his concerns about the frustrating delays. “Sedgwick is the third-party company handling my claims, and their processing has been painfully slow,” he stressed.
His frustrations are not isolated, as Patterson detailed the experience of another retired firefighter, Captain Mark Lacey, who faced similar issues. “After suffering a heart attack, Captain Lacey had days left on his battery, but Sedgwick wouldn’t approve it without additional review. If I don’t get the treatment I need, I’m stuck in pain. If he doesn’t get what he needs, he’s risking his life,” Patterson said emphatically.
Rallying Community Support
Following his impassioned speech at the city council, Patterson was approached by several council members who were unaware of the issues he and others have experienced with Sedgwick. He hopes that his testimony will shed light on the problem and incite change. “I want to believe that no one knew what was happening, but now you do, and I refuse to stand idly by while retired firefighters like myself are being treated poorly,” he stated.
Victory at Last?
Just a day after addressing the City Council, something remarkable happened. In an unexpected turn of events, Patterson received a call from Sedgwick announcing that his trial for the spinal cord stimulator had been approved. “I can’t help but think this came right after the council meeting wasn’t just a coincidence,” he remarked, hopeful that advocacy will lead to the much-needed pain relief.
Patterson’s relentless pursuit for help embodies the challenges faced by many injured workers navigating the complexities of worker’s compensation. His experience highlights how crucial community awareness and outreach can be in addressing systemic issues affecting public servants who risk their lives to protect others.
As Patterson continues his journey towards recovery, the support of the Knoxville community may prove to be the catalyst for change that many others in similar situations desperately need.
