Author Freddie Lee Williams shares a personal account of the arduous journey he endured to receive disability benefits owed to him in his book, They Did Not Hear (now available through AuthorHouse).


Williams' ordeal began in 1978. After relocating to Blytheville, Ark., with his wife and children, Williams walked through a picket line of employees on strike to take a job in a factory. This would prove to be a life-changing decision, as it kicked off a 20-year legal battle. While working in his strenuous job, Williams began to complain of wrist pain to his supervisor. Despite his intense pain and swelling, the supervisor insisted that he continue to work. When the pain became too much to bear, he was referred to a company doctor and treated. He was then sent back to work in the same strenuous position, though his wrist was not fully healed.


Shortly after, Williams slipped on the wet floor in the factory while working and endured a severe back injury. After seeing the company doctor, he was sent back to work immediately. Unable to handle the severe pain, Williams was forced to leave his job and seek medical assistance. Though the doctor discovered a serious injury, the company refused to cover Williams' medical treatment.


They Did Not Hear is a full account of the battle that followed. Unable to work, Williams, his wife and six children were living in poverty. They were often homeless when family members were unable to take them in. Despite his injury and the precarious financial position of his family, Williams was repeatedly denied workers' compensation, disability benefits and welfare. He had no choice but to continue his battle, as his injury had rendered him incapable of strenuous labor.


Through several attorneys, hunger, homelessness and many obstacles, Williams persevered. This is the story of one man's fight to be heard by an establishment that cares little for the blue-collar worker. "When people are mistreated by those in higher authority, if they are denied, all is denied, for if they find a way to forget me, they will find a way to forget others like me," he says.


Williams and his wife currently live in San Francisco. Employed as a property manager, Williams is finally able to live the life he always hoped for throughout his nightmare. Their six children have since grown. They Did Not Hear is his first book.