When a workplace accident occurs, there is a team of employees who work behind the scenes to coordinate care and advocate for injured workers as they recover from an on-the-job injury.

In critical moments, the Human Resources Risk Management Workers Compensation team steps up to ensure that injured employees’ medical needs are met. But in some cases, those needs extend well beyond a one-time urgent care or emergency room visit. 
 
In September 2017, Houston Police Officer Nestor Garcia was conducting a felony traffic stop on a stolen vehicle on the Southwest Freeway near the Shepherd Drive exit when he was struck by an intoxicated driver traveling at more than 60 miles per hour. The 24-year-old rookie had been an HPD officer for only about a year when the tragic accident could have cut short his career and his life.
 
What followed was an inspirational, heroic journey to recovery that beat all the odds. Garcia sustained numerous life-threatening injuries to his brain, spine, kidneys, liver, spleen, knees and more. For months, Garcia had double vision from damage to his eye socket and optic nerve. A stroke left one side of his body paralyzed and impaired his speech.
 
Despite the severity of his injuries, Garcia continued to defy diagnoses and exceed expectations until he returned to transitional duty in April of 2018 and full duty at the South Central Patrol Station in January of this year.
 
Through 16 months of hospitalizations, numerous surgeries and a painful rehabilitation process, Garcia said his family, friends and colleagues helped him find hope and motivation to persevere. Garcia said he was also grateful for assistance from the workers’ compensation staff.
 
Read more about Officer Garcia’s success story and the team of employees who helped him along the way.