Obstacles ahead for man severely injured in accident

A Valley Stream man and his family are coping with the tragic accident that took both his legs. Massimo Perrella, 37, was working on a construction job in the Bronx this past August when he was hit by

News 12 Staff

Jan 4, 2008, 2:42 AM

Updated 6,181 days ago

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A Valley Stream man and his family are coping with the tragic accident that took both his legs.
Massimo Perrella, 37, was working on a construction job in the Bronx this past August when he was hit by an alleged drunken driver. Perrella says the driver drove off after striking him.
Months later, Perrella continues to undergo physical therapy at Glen Clove Hospital. Upon his return home in March, he faces several obstacles. One of them is getting around the first-floor co-op apartment he shares with his wife and 4-year-old son.
Just getting into the apartment will be a problem as it has stairs leading up to it.
Nezir Dagcbitrc, the superintendent of the complex, says that he can?t build a ramp to make the apartment wheelchair accessible. Since the accident, Perrella?s wife has had little success trying to sell the residence.
Perrella is also concerned about how the accident will impact his relationship with his son.
?I want to hold him like a father,? says Perrella. ?I can't do that no more.?
These obstacles are made worse by the fact that Perrella?s worker?s compensation will end in March.
Perrella has hired an attorney to sue the drunk driver and the construction company he was working for. His attorney has set up a fund to help the family make ends meet while they await the outcome of a lengthy trial.
Related Information:Private donations are being acceptedMake checks payable to:Massimo Perrellac/o Attorney Christopher McGrath55 Mineola Blvd.Mineola , NY 11501