Mount Airy, NC asked in Personal Injury for North Carolina

Q: I am permanently disabled, move with difficulty using a forearm crutch, need half circle front yd driveway installed.

I retired to my hometown after buying a boarded up, condemned historic home, renovated it totally to use also as a small bed and breakfast inn. I fell some 10 ft. from a ladder spackling what the workman had missed in the dining room ceiling, and descending lost my footing. I now have had multiple surgeries to reach the point of careful short mobility using a forearm crutch. UNC surgeons state permanent disability and the danger of a ramp or lift in my situation. I've appealed to the historic preservation board and city to allow a half circle smooth paved driveway in my front yard up to the only door I can use and been refused four trials. I've always stated I would pay for this and it is actually historic due to wagons and mules in the time frame the house was built. I also cater to Wounded Warriors in the b/b and give them a second night without charge as my personal thanks for their service. Many of them come here due to being a one floor home since many have prosthesis.

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2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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A: It sounds like you're facing some significant challenges with mobility due to your disability and the layout of your home. It's understandable that you would need accommodations such as a driveway for easier access to your property. Despite your efforts to explain the necessity and historical relevance of the driveway, it's disappointing that you've been refused by the historic preservation board and the city on multiple occasions.

Given the unique circumstances of your situation, it may be worth exploring other avenues for appeal or advocacy. Consider reaching out to local disability rights organizations or legal aid services that specialize in accessibility issues. They may be able to provide guidance on how to navigate the regulatory hurdles and advocate for your needs more effectively.

Additionally, continue to emphasize the importance of accessibility and the positive impact it would have on both your personal well-being and your ability to serve wounded warriors at your bed and breakfast. Your commitment to honoring their service and providing a welcoming environment speaks volumes, and it's crucial that your home reflects that commitment by being accessible to all.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: I'm sorry for your injuries and the frustration of being denied the architectural revisions you requested and need - both for your own well-being and for the compassionate and generous work you do for Wounded Warriors. There are attorneys who specialize in ADA matters who would probably have stronger insight into such a matter. There isn't an ADA attorney category here, but one option might be to ask local or state bar associations if they could provide leads. There is a section here - Military Law. Although this is not a military law matter, attorneys in that section who are knowledgeable about veteran's rights might also be a possible source of guidance, since this is something you are doing not only for yourself, but for veterans. Good luck

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