T he wheels of justice are turning very slowly for Curlon Lawrence. Four years after he was awarded $40 million by the court for an on-the-job injury in 2006 that resulted in him losing both legs, he is still waiting to be compensated.

“Not even a penny,” Lawrence said when asked if he has received any of the money that was awarded in 2013. “I don’t even know how I survive.”

According to Lawrence, after the court ruling, the company to which he was employed in St Ann filed for bankruptcy. The matter, he said, is still before the Supreme Court and will be heard next month.

He explained that in September 2006 he was in the process of cleaning a mixer when another employee, unaware he was in the machine, turned it on. Both of Lawrence’s legs were crushed and he spent months in hospital .

Since then, not being able to work and still fighting the court battle, life has been difficult for Lawrence, who said he is forced to depend on others, including his mother and brother, for survival.

“I don’t know how I go through daily,” Lawrence told the Jamaica Observer recently while sitting along the road in Standfast, Brown’s Town.

He lamented that he is not able to do much for his son in terms of getting him prepared for the new school year, which begins in a few weeks’ time.

“I can’t do anything yet,” Lawrence said as he showed the Sunday Observer a copy of his son’s book list he had on his phone.

He is, however, still trying his best to ensure his son gets the books.

Lawrence also said he hoped to get an advance payment from the court award from his attorney.

“I am just hoping to get compensation; that’s the only reason I am fighting this,” Lawrence said.

— Renae Dixon