Russell’s Story

Video Transcript

Russell: My name is Russell Burgess. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been in Columbia, South Carolina since 1999. Well, seven years I was a firefighter, but I never really wanted to be a firefighter until later on in life. I wanted to get back into public service. I gave the fire department a shot, and I turned out to love it. And I’ve done it ever since. So what happened to me was the date of February 6th of 2023. I responded to a call of service for a lift assist, but I ended up herniating some discs in my back. That day has changed my life, getting injured and now being permanently disabled. I can’t put on my shoes by myself. I can’t put on my pants by myself. Using the bathroom, it’s a transition of 3 or 4 times, so my personal care has completely changed where I can now no longer depend on myself. So the workers’ comp system is the most frustrating because in my opinion, it feels like the work comp system does not give the employee the full extent of what the system is supposed to be set up for. The benefits of having a lawyer involved — they get to deal directly with the work comp system and hold their feet to the fire to make sure that the injured employee gets the full benefits of what the work comp system should be set up for. What Goings Law Firm has done for me has taken the weight of the world off of my shoulders so that I can focus on my family and my life with my family. Christian is an awesome guy. Been very communicative. He’s reached out to me. He cares about me. He goes above and beyond. And there’s that phrase — he gives 110% for his clients, especially for me.

Attorney Christian Boesl: Russell has given his life to saving people, taking care of people, being there to help people. The effects of Russell’s accident are such that now he’s the one who needs help. And the workers’ comp system itself is set up to help people in those scenarios, but often it doesn’t work out that way. We had a special opportunity to do something for Russell — with legal help and assistance — to be able to fight for all those things. Fight for the medical treatment. Fight for a scooter. Fight for a lift on the back of his vehicle, modifications to the home. It’s just a tremendous honor to represent first responders, get to know Russell and to know his family and be able to help him in such a traumatic time.