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S.S. Dillow Elementary School fire in Fort Worth (Source: Glen E. Ellman with the Fort Worth Fire Department)

FORT WORTH, Texas – A Fort Worth firefighter who was hurt in the line of duty is still recovering, but at the same time, he’s fighting to get the care his doctors say he needs.

What we know:

Caleb Halvorson suffered extensive injuries while responding to a house fire in Fort Worth in September. 

He became pinned under a collapsed roof, suffered second and third degree burns all over his body. He also suffered from a dislocated knee and other injuries.

Halvorson was released from the burn unit at Parkland Hospital after several major surgeries, but he still has an intense recovery period ahead of him.

Making matters tougher, he was recently denied a machine his doctor deemed medically necessary.

Sedgwick, the company that handles worker’s compensation claims for the city, had to reverse its decision after public outcry.

What they’re saying:

Caleb Halvorson and family

I broke down a lot because… it’s not like I’m asking for anything over the moon,” Halvorson said. “This is just like the bare necessity of what I need.” 

“Like, all it is, is bending my leg, like, help me, helping me bend my leg so I can get better and start rehab and eventually get back on the job and everything.”

Halvorson says the machine wasn’t the only denied treatment. Laser surgery needed to help him get movement back after the severe burns was also denied at first. He tried again and was eventually approved. 

He still has plenty of surgeries he needs, and worries that they’ll be denied. 

What’s next:

We reached out to Sedgwick, which referred us to the city of Fort Worth.

The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 4 reporting.

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