Tradie Left Unable To Work After Police Accident please help

G'day, I'm Samuel Prendergast, a flooring specialist from Logan, Queensland. I never thought I'd be in a position where I'd need to ask for help, but after exhausting all other options, here I am.

In January last year at Grand Plaza Shopping Centre, I spotted police chasing some youth car thieves. Having been a victim of car theft myself, I tried to help by pointing out an exit route the criminals might take. Instead of thanks, I got mistaken for one of the thieves. Before I could explain, an officer tackled me to the ground, fracturing my L4 vertebrae and breaking two ribs.

The worst part? My wife and young daughter watched it all happen.

I've spent the last year trying to recover and get back to work, but the injury has made it impossible to continue my flooring business. I've re-injured my back twice since, and specialists have now told me I'll never be able to install floors again – the trade I've built my life around for years.

Every avenue for support has hit a dead end:

- Victims Assist Australia rejected my claim, saying I "wasn't a victim"

- I didn't have TPD insurance through my super

- I can't work in my trade due to the permanent damage

- Legal proceedings are ongoing, but bills need paying now

My family is struggling to keep up with:

- Mortgage repayments ($2,800/month)

- Car finance ($650/month)

- Basic living expenses

- Medical treatments not covered by Medicare

I've always worked hard to provide for my family. I've never been one to ask for handouts, but with no income and mounting bills, we're at risk of losing everything we've worked for.

Any support you can offer will help bridge the gap while I retrain for work that won't re-injure my back. I'm determined to get back to contributing and supporting my family – I just need some help to get there.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Whether you can spare a few dollars or just share my story, I appreciate it more than you know.

- Sam

Here's my aca story !!https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/tradie-dad-suffers-spinal-fracture-after-police-mistook-him-for-a-youth-criminal/b129e152-ecc4-4928-b2ef-eb28cfe06e41