Can someone help me understand something about Abbott's disability? Would never make light of [View all]
anyone who is disabled, but can't figure out what happened in his case. The Texas Tribune in Aug. 2, 2013 explained that Abbott was "paralyzed by a falling oak tree in 1984...". Then Wikipedia explains:
On July 14, 1984, at age 26, Abbott was paralyzed below the waist when an oak tree fell on him while he was jogging following a storm.[6][250] He had two steel rods implanted in his spine, underwent extensive rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston and has used a wheelchair ever since.[251][252] He sued the homeowner and a tree service company, resulting in an insurance settlement that provides him with lump sum payments every three years until 2022 along with monthly payments for life; both are adjusted for inflation.[253] As of August 2013, the monthly payment amount was US$14,000 and the three-year lump sum payment was US$400,000, all tax-free. Abbott said he had relied on the money to help him pay for nearly three decades of medical expenses and other costs.[253]
Oak trees don't keel over quickly. It would've had to be falling as he jogged up to it and it would seem a runner would be past the tree by the time it fell. Even if he paused, it would be apparent that the tree was falling over. They make noise -- creaking and cracking as they fall. Just pondering how it could've happen.
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