Retired Lexington County, South Carolina Sheriff's deputy, whose career was cut short by an on-duty crash, is fighting for health benefits as he continues to recover.
Eddie Richardson shared his struggles with his hometown newspaper The Westside News in New York state, saying he has "no clue" how he will be able to provide for his family.
Richardson was injured in 2016 when a burglary suspect he was pursuing hit him with a stolen vehicle. The deputy suffered extensive injuries including nerve damage, a destroyed spinal disc and torn cartilage in his hip.
Pain is now a part of his life, making it difficult for him to walk and even sit for long periods.
"I don’t know if I will be able to work," the 40-year-old told the newspaper after his latest spinal surgery on December 4. "I'm pretty much bed-ridden now. I get winded walking to the kitchen."
The husband and father of three children was left permanently disabled by the crash and was forced to retired. He was informed just days before his retirement date that he would not be provided with health insurance as a benefit.
Officials said that his seven years of service as a deputy and his young age were not sufficient under county rules to obtain low-cost retiree health coverage.
After reconsidering his case in October, the Lexington County Council came to the consensus that he would not be provided with health insurance.
Workers compensation has been covering his own medical costs, but without health insurance, there is no overall coverage for his family.
His wife, Amanda, left her job as a dental office manager to help care for him following the crash and is hoping to soon find a new job that will provide insurance.
Richardson is now working with lawmakers in South Carolina and local Congressional representatives to see what can be done for himself and others who find themselves in similar situations.
"There's a lot going on right now behind the scenes," he says, though he doubts a positive outcome. "I don't see changes in the future."
A Go Fund Me account is set up to help care for his family: https://www.gofundme.com/3mjnh7-caring-is-sharing
