What would you do, race or not?
#1214539
04/11/12 11:47 PM
04/11/12 11:47 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,074 Mooresburg, Tn
'72CudaRacer
OP
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OP
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I had a problem with my knee last week that put me off work (I am a heavy duty diesel truck mechanic). I got the results from the MRI today, torn miniscus in my left knee, surgry the only option. Work will not let me return to work until I have been released by the doctor to 100% status, no "light duty". (I am on short term disability). The earliest that I can get scheduled for surgry is 2 weeks. I can now walk with out my crutches for a short while. I haven't taken ANY pain meds since sunday night and will not if I race. I ask the Dr. about drag racing, and after quizing me about it, said that he didn't have a problem with it, the damage had already been done, and as long as I could stand the discomfort, and not jepordise my fellow competitors, he didn't see an issue. I will have help in the pits and with the loading and unloading and a golf cart to ride where I need to go. So, to other racers, what would you do? Race or not? And would you welcome me as a competitor, or be on edge about me being beside you?
Thanks in advance,
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1214542
04/12/12 12:08 AM
04/12/12 12:08 AM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,506 Az
Crizila
master
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Posts: 7,506
Az
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I would trust your decision. Only you know what you can do and I'm sure you wouldn't put your oun Butt in danger.
Fastest 300
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: MR_P_BODY]
#1214543
04/12/12 12:10 AM
04/12/12 12:10 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 622 ct
jkgtx
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 622
ct
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as a truck mechanic too i also tore same thing but did it playing soccer still worked until surgery you be fine racing just dont overuse it in pits good luck feel your pain
[b] [color:"red"] 67 GTX 440 twin turbo efi 10.72 128 3900lb 3.55
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: smokinwoody]
#1214554
04/12/12 02:06 PM
04/12/12 02:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,358 Aurora, Oh.
max_maniac
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,358
Aurora, Oh.
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Quote:
I wouldnt be telling anyone that you work with, about racing in the future...especially if you are workman's comp...and if this was a work related injury, you are entitled to compensation which means, they can bring it up that you were able to race but you didnt want to come back to work...forget about what the Doctor says...hes not a lawyer...
I've been there and done that and know the outcome to these things...you do what YOU feel...just watch who's snapping those pictures of you...
best advice yet
Russ
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: max_maniac]
#1214555
04/12/12 02:18 PM
04/12/12 02:18 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 249 Sonora, CA
68X426
enthusiast
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enthusiast
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Posts: 249
Sonora, CA
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Quote:
Quote:
I wouldnt be telling anyone that you work with, about racing in the future...especially if you are workman's comp...and if this was a work related injury, you are entitled to compensation which means, they can bring it up that you were able to race but you didnt want to come back to work...forget about what the Doctor says...hes not a lawyer...
I've been there and done that and know the outcome to these things...you do what YOU feel...just watch who's snapping those pictures of you...
best advice yet
Russ
times 2.
You should consider some CYA here. You are likely jepardizing disability payments, and maybe your employment future.
IT IS A COLD WORLD OUT THERE. A work disability doesn't mean a free ride to enjoy life (racing and/or pit work would look like you are healthy, when viewed by a stone cold employer and the insurer, both with attorneys).
Don't want to rain on your fun, but there are consequences to what you choose to do with your "free" time when "disabled".
Somebody is paying you to get fixed and get healthy. Most employers, and insurers, would see you as healthy based on what you've said. Poof goes your payments and poof goes the job.
Get well soon.
Last edited by 68X426; 04/12/12 02:23 PM.
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1968 Plymouth Road Runner, Hemi and much more
1968 Dodge Charger, 318 and not much else
1958 Dodge Pick Up, 383 and loud
1966 Dodge Van, Slant 6 and cool
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: Thumperdart]
#1214557
04/12/12 03:01 PM
04/12/12 03:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330 Lynchburg, VA
Leon441
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
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I guess the key question that no-one is asking but jumping in the puddle of crap with both feet is.....Is this an on the job injury? Are you on workmans comp or is the employer simply CTA by not letting you work.
I had a torn miscous myself. Probably a long term walking around RR tracks but it was done at the track. I try to be honest and straight up so I gave the RR the benefit of doubt and noted when the injury was first noticed. They told me not to work and put me on short term dissability. Many don't understand this it is the employer CTA not the person wanting to sit back and draw a check. I went racing while off. The extra heat from the driving pants did wonders for my knee. I told the surgeon and he said absolutely heat was good as long as I did not twist my knee getting in the car. Heck they told me to ride a bicycle everyday leading up to surgery.
If you are on a work related injury you will just have to weigh the odds yourself. If it was not work related I would race. Laying up waiting on surgery sucks. Racing is good for ya. And if you wear the two layer pants they made my knee feel great.
Leon
Career best 8.02 @ 169 at 3050# and 10" tires small block power.
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1214559
04/12/12 03:51 PM
04/12/12 03:51 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 345 Arkansas
JoWeTu_6
enthusiast
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Posts: 345
Arkansas
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A few days ago a police officer was arrested for embezzlement, seems he had several MMM1 match's he was 12 and 2. Thing is he was of on Workman's Comp. I'm just saying, check with your state's rules first I'm just saying better safe than sorry. Jowetu_6 I'm just saying
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: max_maniac]
#1214564
04/12/12 10:59 PM
04/12/12 10:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 964 Nanaimo, B.C.
GwaiiEagle
Mannix
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Mannix
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Posts: 964
Nanaimo, B.C.
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Quote:
Quote:
I wouldnt be telling anyone that you work with, about racing in the future...especially if you are workman's comp...and if this was a work related injury, you are entitled to compensation which means, they can bring it up that you were able to race but you didnt want to come back to work...forget about what the Doctor says...hes not a lawyer...
I've been there and done that and know the outcome to these things...you do what YOU feel...just watch who's snapping those pictures of you...
best advice yet
Russ
x3 you know how bad Compo can be for this kind of stuff.
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: GwaiiEagle]
#1214565
04/12/12 11:24 PM
04/12/12 11:24 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260 New Mexico
Adobedude
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260
New Mexico
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If your gettting Workmans Comp...Don't.
That's coming from an employer. If you worked for me and I was indirectly paying you (through raised rates) for your time off and I knew you were drag racing...I'd fight your comp to the end.
As an employer in this economy, we will do what we have to do to stay alive, and passing on higher insurance rates to the consumer is hard to do, especially when half the companies you are bidding against have dropped their insurance to stay in business.
2001 Dodge Dakota 408 All Motor 11.27 @ 117.83 mph 2017 NM Mopar Challenge Series Champion.
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: Shoozy]
#1214567
04/12/12 11:31 PM
04/12/12 11:31 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,074 Mooresburg, Tn
'72CudaRacer
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,074
Mooresburg, Tn
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Thanks for all the replys guys. A lot of good points have been raised. First off, it is NOT a workmans comp deal, although the short term disability folks tried every way to get me to say it was done at work. Truth is, I don't know what caused it. Second, it is a work place CYA deal. Like my doctor told me, everyone knows you have a knee problem, but if you were allowed to return to work and stumbeled into a fan blade or something, then it would be their a$$. (doctors words, not mine). Also when you go on short term disability, you have to wait 7 calender days before getting compensation. So if I WERE allowed back to work until the surgery, I would have another waiting period. Being on short term disability means you can't perform your job at this time, but it doesn't mean you are totally useless. Would it be OK to go fishing? or go to the casinos? or go to a baseball game? The problem is the perception. I have help loading and unloading and even to take the car to the staging lanes. I climbed into my car today, and although I was able to get in it, I don't think I can do it all day long. One day at a time...
Brian Dunnigan
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Re: What would you do, race or not?
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1214568
04/13/12 12:31 AM
04/13/12 12:31 AM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260 New Mexico
Adobedude
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260
New Mexico
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Perception is everything...
Would I line up against you..? Sure. I'd never see anything but your bumper fading off in the distance anyway.
2001 Dodge Dakota 408 All Motor 11.27 @ 117.83 mph 2017 NM Mopar Challenge Series Champion.
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