Update

It has been over a year and three months since I have posted. I had forgotten I even had this blog until today while researching Werner and seeing if yet another driver has faced the same fate.

I ended up going to court in December 07 with Harris Kuhn law firm by my side. It was extremely difficult emotionally and physically. The judge ruled in my favor for the most part with 55% disability rating, back benefits, vocational rehabilitation, penalized Werner/DMI with 12,000 in attorney fees and 8,000 in penalties. Of course the case is now in appeals which could last up to two years.

I am continuing to go to college though that has been a semi-successful event. Spring semester ended up in a complete medical withdrawal so I will be attending this fall as a part time student. I recognize that I do want to continue being a productive member of society and am paying $3000 a semester to do so. Although Werner/DMI claims that i rather be on disability than to work. If that was the case then I wouldn't exert myself to the daily grind and stress that going to college demands, instead would sit day after day doing nothing. I know physical demanding jobs are out of the question, along with my already limited abilities finding a job is much harder. I am hoping with a degree I might be able to make similar to my income with Werner and also meet my limitations.

I ended up finding a doctor who really addressed the pain issues in my back. I have found some relief with Tens therapy, stretching, pressure point therapy and a huge dose of a nerve block medication. Emotionally I still battle with depression and a lost sense of self but continue to put one foot in front of another.

After over two years of battles and injustice and feeling screwed, I still miss the road. They say once it gets in you it never goes away and I really believe it is true. Had none of this had happened I would of still been trucking a long with my service dog but most likely for Darby or another company.