Voters Injured at Work (archived) is posting 19 days of permanent disability horror stories. The first installment:
"About Me: My name is Sandra Howell. I’m 46, married and I live in Beaumont, near Ontario.

My Family: I have raised three children: a son, 25; and two daughters, ages 19 and 21.

My Job and What Happened: On May 31, 2001, I was working as an Assistant Manager for Corning-Revere’s World Kitchen store in Cabazon. While setting up a floor display, I ruptured 3 disks in my back when I twisted and grabbed a falling 4’ x 4’ metal display shelf. I woke up that night inhorrible pain, and couldn’t get out of bed. An MRI revealed 3 bulging disks, which a diskogram showed were also leaking. I had surgery and have continuing pain and nerve damage. I have been rated totally disabled (100%).

What this has meant to my life: Before my work injury I enjoyed an active life. Now, I have 2 rods and 6 screws in my back and I can’t even baby-sit my granddaughter. I use a cane, and often need a wheelchair. I’d like to go back to work, but I am unable. My husband and I had plans to travel the world. But I haven’t even driven a car in 3 years, and have trouble getting out of bed in the winter.

How Workers’ Comp was supposed to help me: Permanent disability compensation was supposed to replace my lost future earnings due to my injury’s long-term effects. It is also my ONLY compensation for my inability to do many everyday things, engage in recreation, and take part in and enjoy family and social outings. But my compensation under Governor Schwarzenegger’s rating schedule is cut by more than 90 percent!"

There is a pdf file for download on the web site...