Plane Crash Survivor: Maintenance Negligence

I was one of three people that was involved in an airplane crash September 13, 2021 in St Augustine, FL. The flight was being conducted by the Chief Pilot of the flight school, he was conducting a checkout flight in with 1 other instructor. Due to maintenance reasons, seconds after the plane took off, the engine or prop did not produce enough thrust in order for the airplane to climb. The plane crashed upside down at the end of the runway in the marsh. All soles on board survived. However, I have extensive nerve and spinal chord damage, and multiple herniated discs in my spine, restricting me the ability to take care of myself. 

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/09/13/crews-respond-to-plane-down-near-st-augustine-airport/ 

Because I was injured at work, my medical help had to be within workers comp. As a healthy 23 year old woman, who once was able to work 95 hours a week as a flight instructor; to barely being able to walk down the stairs without a cane, has been unbearable. As a result my wife has became my full time care taker at 21 years old. 

I fight for my life everyday as I remains in a crippling disable state. Since the accident, I endured multiple procedures, and will continue treatment. Furthermore, because Florida’s workers compensation has many loop holes. This leaves claimants injuries untreated for a year, because of paperwork and approvals. If I need immediate pain relief, I have to go to the hospital. I suffer from cervical and lumbar neuropathy, multiple herniated discs, and a pinched sciatica nerve. It wasn’t until March where I had to make the decision to relinquish multiple conditional job offers at the airlines. 

All in all this has not only affected her life, but her mom and wife’s as well. They have taken on the financial burden of the accident since the beginning. I have over $300,000 of aviation and college loans, that I can not pay back. My wife has taken out over $30,000 in credit cards, in order to be my home health care-giver, as well as pay day-to-day bills. These costs are not one time expenses- they will last the rest of my life. My insurance is through the state of Florida, and as such provide limited coverage after the initial evaluation. 

Whether you are a friend, or just connected through social media, please help spread the word and share my story of survival. Thank you for your support.