Lyme Disease Support Group

I've remained in contact with the owner of the company and have provided him with documentation from my doctor about my treatment and so forth. He wanted to know what my restrictions and limitations would be if I were to come back and work light duty.

My job requires that I lift weights up to 70+ lbs and that I stay on my feet for most of the day. I also would drive on occasion for sometimes 3-4+ hrs while making pick ups or deliveries.

The doctor has sent a letter to my employer stating I would not be allowed to lift heavy boxes or stand for long periods of time. Also my driving would be restricted. He said in the letter he was not sure when I would be fully recovered but just as an estimate he said 2-3 months.

Since there are so many limitations the owner stated that they would not like for me to return and that I would be terminated at the end of June. He said there would be a prospect of returning when I became healthier or if there was light part time work for me.

My benefits are paid off until July 1st but then I would have to switch to the COBRA insurance plan which I would have to pay for myself. Anyone familiar with COBRA?

Short term disability I think lasts for 6 months so I would be able to collect that still.

Is this legal? Are they allowed to tell me I'm not allowed to return to work even if I am not 100% and have limitations?

My knee is still not fully recovered and I must use a crutch still to walk, though I can technically walk without it.

Looks like I have a case of the mondays...

All responses appreciated

However, you have to pay the full price of your employer's plan. This can be pretty hefty, depending on their chosen plan. It is not meant as a long-term solution; it just gives you time to shop around for a private insurance or another job, if you're lucky.

A private insurance will most likely be less expensive (or at least have less expensive options) than your employer's insurance.

As for the legal issues, you'd better consult with a lawyer specializing in this field. It doesn't seem OK to me, particularly since your doctor provided an estimated date of full recovery.

But I'm not a lawyer, I just know from experience that sometimes employers try to intimidate their employees by claiming the law is on their side when it's not.

I'm almost 100% positive this is illegal and I'm not sure how to go about rectifying this. I suppose I should seek legal council but I cannot afford an expensive lawyer.

ham-sa ham-sa ham-sa, sa-hum sa-hum sa-hum

Depending on what state you live in, your employer can fire you for any reason they like. I live in PA and that is how it is here. Unless you are unionized or have some sort of contract they need not have a reason at all to terminate you.

i just learned of it today D:

If you completed your FMLA, they are required to bring you back up to 12 weeks later. FMLA is unpaid time off, however.

Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente... Check out what's availabe in your area.

You might have to pay Cobra for a month, though, because you might not be able to start your new insurance by July 1.

I have Kaiser (Southern California). Apart from the fact that Kaiser doesn't pay for the proper lyme treatment (neither will the others in general), with all other health issues or procedures I had, I always felt very well taken care of there.

But best check with friends/family what their experiences with their insurances are. Facilities might vary. They all should offer different plans with different monthly premiums, co-payments, deductibles, etc. Hopefully you'll find something that fits your budget!

This is a long process, but if you are chronic it might be a good idea to start the paperwork now.

I personally think it might be illegal to fire you while you are out on disability. Its discrimination.