A man with cerebral palsy, a case verified by two medical
doctors, was accused by a social services agency of faking
his illness because he rides a bicycle every day.
His subsidized apartment was denied him because he
couldnt keep it tidy enough or clean enough to suit the
(same) agencysomething he was not supposed to be
capable of doing in the first place, as a condition of
his
medical problems.
He was subsequently put out. He was not only put out.
A memo written within the agency (of which he retained
a copy) stated: Perhaps
a stint on the [local area]
streets will teach [Mr. X] to appreciate the value of
having a roof over his head!
Mr. X lived for a good while in one of the areas local
parks, until a pastor heard his story and was finally
able
to find him another apartment.
* * * *
Why didn't he sue?
Mr. X sought several legal opinions. There were no
attorneys willing to take on a government agency
of such major stature. Everyone agreed that he had
an excellent case, including "intentional infliction
of emotional distress" upon an individual already
emotionally vulnerable according to the two written
medical opinions in his possession.
No one could refer him to an attorney willing to
represent him. He was not wealthy enough to
pursue the issue, and let it go, just grateful to be
off the streets once again.
ONE MAN'S STORY
Copyright 2004 H. Makelin
