Expert: Barry N. Saunders - 11/23/2008

Question
My Father had a fall about 3 months ago, went in for testing to find cause and claimed change of HBP medication caused faint spell. My Father was there for about a week then went home, He began to experience pain to the rib region and told Dr. who stated the fall may have caused body to become sore, after a couple of days My Father went to Hospital and more testing was done to find He had Fractured rib/ribs. Dr gave pain medication and advised him to relax as much as possible so the ribs would heal. About a month later my father began to feel back pain and called His Dr. and again was told if there was someone to assist him in doing chores and things the pain should go away, but it only got worse. My Father told a family member that his feet were numb and it was a struggle to walk because of the pain to back and numb feet, He then again called Dr. who said go to ER. Once there Doctors told him He was paralyzed due to an infection on the spine which later we found to be Staphylococcus Areaus (MRSA) My Father is now paralyzed from the chest down

Answer
Dear Sandra:

File for his disability through the Social Security Administration. I will assume he was employed for at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid into the Social Security System. Their website has most of the information you will need:

http://www.ssa.gov/

There are also in most states agencies that will provide assistance for in home care.  Most can be found on the Internet.  

I would also retain an attorney that specializes in disability matters.  


Barry Saunders