Injury led to tough times, especially with WSIB ending when he turns 65

I had a fall at work. I broke my neck, sternum, eight ribs in multiple places, clavicle and I suffered two collapsed lungs – one perforated. I spent eight days in the Ottawa Civic Hospital’s trauma ward.

After I had been home about two and a half weeks, WSIB called wondering why I hadn’t returned to work yet. The doctor in the trauma ward had given me paperwork to not return until January. This accident happened in November. After much badgering by WSIB and the employer, I returned to work after four weeks. I had no use of my right arm so I had to manoeuvre city traffic with just my left arm. After a couple of days back at work my clavicle displaced itself. Now I have a bulge in my skin. My ribs separated at the broken areas and are now causing me a lot of pain. After a few months my employer fired me because, after five years, I was no longer a “good fit.” I’m now 61 years of age: this happened when I was 58. WSIB now deems me fit for work. I receive a small amount of money from WSIB and I had to access my CPP at age 60 to live. Yesterday, I got a call from WSIB letting me know that because the minimum wage increased my pitiful benefit will be cut by 10 per cent this year and more to come. At 65, my WSIB will end. I really think this system has to change: It’s too late for me but no one should have to go through this.

Jim