Governor Schwarzenegger, Please Sign SB 936 for Me and Other Californians Injured on the Job

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Patricia Mendoza

I’m 44 years old, and I live in Ontario. I worked as a Correctional Officer for 20 years.

My last assignment was at the California Institute for Men (CIM), a minimum through medium security prison in Chino. My job was to transport inmates within the prison compound, and to the NORCO facility nearby.

The prison inmates, of course, had to be transported in restraints. Part of my job involved carrying the heavy restraints. This was very physical work.

On March 12, 2004, I injured my lower and middle back while lifting prisoner restraints in a transport van.

An MRI found nerve damage, 3 bulging discs and bone spurs. My doctor said that immediate surgery was not recommended, but would be in the future. I did physical therapy, chiropractic and steroid injections into my spine. None of that helped very much. The doctor said there’s nothing more we can do for you.

I put my life on the line to protect society from convicted rapists, molesters and murderers. I worked double shifts, lost time from my family, and was in danger every time I drove through those prison gates.

I used to run 5 miles every other day, camped, rafted white water river rapids. Now, I can barely sit through a meal or a movie.

I’ve lost my job and career. I can’t serve as a Correctional Officer again, but am receiving no training for a new job. I wear a back brace most days, and I limp.

My work injury has been financially devastating. My husband and I have had to take another mortgage on our home to get by.