14 Years and Nothing

[chilerelleno]

I can feel your pain and anxiety John. I filed a WC claim after 33 years of being a union carpenter, I was done, back and shoulders. The insurance company will try to screw you at every opportunity. I strongly recommend having an attorney that specializes in workman's comp cases to be your advocate and ensure you are treated fairly. RAY

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Done consulted a lawyer and have the paperwork sitting here waiting for my signature.
I'm waiting to see what corporate says before I burn that bridge.
That's not how I like to do things, once it's done, it's done and no going back.

 

[chopsaw]

Done consulted a lawyer and have the paperwork sitting here waiting for my signature.
I'm waiting to see what corporate says before I burn that bridge.
That's not how I like to do things, once it's done, it's done and no going back.

Yes , but either way what Ray is saying get a lawyer to make sure you get what you deserve .
Even if you retain employment . It's not the same as suing them .
Did they make an offer to close out the claim ? It's usually less than half what it's worth .
It's all on a chart , or at least it used to be .

 

[chilerelleno]

Yes , but either way what Ray is saying get a lawyer to make sure you get what you deserve .
Even if you retain employment . It's not the same as suing them .
Did they make an offer to close out the claim ? It's usually less than half what it's worth .
It's all on a chart , or at least it used to be .

All discussed in consultation, my wife and I had our questions researched and ready.

 

[Buckeyedude]

 

[chilerelleno]

 

[bauchjw]

Oh man Chile, I’m so sorry to hear that. I have to agree with everyone. You have my prayers and there is no doubt you’ll bounce back better. Let us know if you do a food truck, I’ll road trip to try your food

 

[GaryHibbert]

That really sucks John. Seems lately that dedication and loyalty are just words to a lot of people.
If I recall correctly, you're a truck driver. Is that right?? Not just asking out of curiosity.
Gary

 

[indaswamp]

Oh man Chile, I’m so sorry to hear that. I have to agree with everyone. You have my prayers and there is no doubt you’ll bounce back better. Let us know if you do a food truck, I’ll road trip to try your food

I'll meat you there! (see what I did there? LOL!)

 

[chilerelleno]

That really sucks John. Seems lately that dedication and loyalty are just words to a lot of people.
If I recall correctly, you're a truck driver. Is that right?? Not just asking out of curiosity.
Gary

Yes, I'm a dedicated regional route driver, basically it's irregular LTL to a core group of customers with the oddball customer here and there just to keep it from getting too boring.
A combination of Delivery Driver, Outside Sales and Customer Service Rep.
You have mostly to suck up to them, and sell or soothe them.
Take care of the issues for them or at least get the ball rolling for them.

 

[bill1]

Once you start a law suit you have to resign...

I don't disagree that once a case goes to court, you and your former employer have quite irreconcilable differences. But if you've just been discussing a potential case with outside legal assistance, I'd rather consider that a bargaining chip in negotiations with your on-the-way-to-be-former employer.

Some organizations treat you decent just because they're run by decent folks. Others need the threat of legal action to do the right thing.

 

[crazymoon]

CR, I hope you stick up their #%^#@ ! Some companies just don't realize that employees are their best assets. :(

 

[JLeonard]

Oh man Chile, I’m so sorry to hear that. I have to agree with everyone. You have my prayers and there is no doubt you’ll bounce back better. Let us know if you do a food truck, I’ll road trip to try your food

Road trip heck! I'll pay premium shipping for him to send meals to my house!
Jim

 

[bbqking01]

Hang in there. There is a time and season for everything. I’m hoping you sue there socks off and retire early. Then you could buy the grill/cooker/bbq…etc you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t get down. Life can throw everyone curve balls. Good luck C Chileno

 

[GaryHibbert]

Yes, I'm a dedicated regional route driver, basically it's irregular LTL to a core group of customers with the oddball customer here and there just to keep it from getting too boring.
A combination of Delivery Driver, Outside Sales and Customer Service Rep.
You have mostly to suck up to them, and sell or soothe them.
Take care of the issues for them or at least get the ball rolling for them.

What I have to say has nothing to do with getting compensation for the disgusting actions of the company you worked for.
I'm assuming it's your inability to load and unload freight, due to your shoulder, that's the problem. That said, if you want to continue as a truck driver, here's a suggestion.
Check out the gravel haul companies--specifically for a job pulling a belly dump trailer.
That is, without question, the easiest truck driving job out there--up here it's known an old man's job. Unloading is just a matter slowing down to a speed that will release the gravel to the required depth and simply flicking a switch--no strenuous labor involved loading or unloading. This old man has been doing it for years. And it pays great.
Just me saying.
Gary

 

[chilerelleno]

To all those hoping I stick it to the the man and get rich off a settlement.
It just doesn't work that way with workers comp.

Neither I nor the lawyer will get rich as there are caps on everything put in place by law.
Not even if if was a quadriplegic for life.
Not unless there was a responsible third party involved in the accident/injury.
A third party could be sued for a large settlement.

But not in this case.
In a case like mine a lawyer is needed just get a fair and full settlement, otherwise the insurance companies just lowball and string you along.
Hopefully it'll pay off the personal bills I've had or will have to lay aside during this period of low to no income.

 

[chilerelleno]

What I have to say has nothing to do with getting compensation for the disgusting actions of the company you worked for.
I'm assuming it's your inability to load and unload freight, due to your shoulder, that's the problem. That said, if you want to continue as a truck driver, here's a suggestion.
Check out the gravel haul companies--specifically for a job pulling a belly dump trailer.
That is, without question, the easiest truck driving job out there--up here it's known an old man's job. Unloading is just a matter slowing down to a speed that will release the gravel to the required depth and simply flicking a switch--no strenuous labor involved loading or unloading. This old man has been doing it for years. And it pays great.
Just me saying.
Gary

Yes'sir, already looking at dump trucks and trailers, and other no touch options in my area. Even the ones that put me away from home a couple nights a week.

What I was hoping for from my company was to get put out to pasture at a salaried desk job or outside sale position.
I know the customers and have good relationships with them, I also know the products.
I could even afford to take a pay cut considering what my weekly over the road expenses were.

Supposed to get a call from corporate today... Waiting.

 

[SmokinAl]

THAT JUST PLAIN SUCKS!!!
Al

 

[Retired Spook]

Yes'sir, already looking at dump trucks and trailers, and other no touch options in my area. Even the ones that put me away from home a couple nights a week.

What I was hoping for from my company was to get put out to pasture at a salaried desk job or outside sale position.
I know the customers and have good relationships with them, I also know the products.
I could even afford to take a pay cut considering what my weekly over the road expenses were.

Supposed to get a call from corporate today... Waiting.

I am praying that you get the outcome that is best for you, chile!

Sounds like you are making smart choices.

 

[chilerelleno]

Spoke to corporate today.

They were not happy with the WC insurance company for cutting me off without talking to them or me.
For a complete lack of communication for three weeks despite corporate and I both calling and emailing.
Now get this...
WC said they overpaid me one week of indemity that they paid on Aug 30th, as they see it all benefits ended on the Aug 25th.
Corporate told them not to rescind the payment, and to charge it to corporate.
God bless them.

Corporate authorized and paid me a week's salary for now to help me with bills for what they felt was mismanagement by the insurance company regardless of what the law allows them to do.
***And that ^^^ money actually went into my bank this morning.***
And they authorized the payment of my last week of vacation time due to me per my request.

Encouraged me to consult and hire a lawyer for the WC settlement.
Told them I was signing the lawyer's papers online as we talked.

But unfortunately did say that at this time there simply is no position to put me into at my local branch.
I have to finalize termination of employment and other pertinent matters such as severance through my branch manager.

We all agreed that our 14 years together has been mutually beneficial.
That I'm not burning any bridges with them and they'll give me glowing employment recommendations.
I'm eligible for rehire if a position opens and would retain seniority if rehired.

While I'm not thrilled, it feels like half the weight on my shoulders has been lifted off.
Money is still an issue, but my course is clear now, I feel good about how I'm separating from my employer, no longer in limbo and the WC settlement lawsuit is now a go.
Meet again with my attorney on Monday for few things.
And then off to file for unemployment and start looking for a job.

Am I missing anything?

 

[tbern]

A few positive things at least, hopefully it will now continue for you!