Complaint Review: Forward Air

This happened to me in Febuary of 2002.

I started working for Joel Helmberger (Eagan terminal manager) back in 1997 (if I remember correctly). I do remember exactly what I mentioned to him in the interview.

He asked me to take a physical with drug screen. I told him that they would find out I'm taking Dilantin for a seizure disorder I've had since 1991.

With that he told me to go and see what their doctors said. During the physical I informed the doctor about my condition and he still approved me to operate the fork lifts.

After working for Forward Air for a while I moved up to Night Operations Supervisor. I held that position for almost four years. Then got demoted back to fork lift operator due to a piece of forgotten freight.

The sales manager asked me to go with her to talk to a customer because I've talked with him many many times. When I got back to the Terminal all lights were off and everyone was gone.

Now that's not my main problem with the company. A few months after this I was working on a fork lift loading a semi trailer when I suddenly had a seizure. Joel, just happening to work that evening, just stands there not having a clue what to do. Lucky for me I had two very good friends working with me, one a retired police officer and the other had a brother who had a epileptic disorder, who pushed the dumbfounded "manager" to the side and helped out the situation.

The next morning I was awaken by a call from Joel asking me to go to the clinic to get checked out. He said that I seemed to have been holding my knee during the siezure.

After telling him my knee is perfectly fine, he insisted. So being the faithful, obedient employee I am, I agreed to go.

The doctor told me everything appears fine but go on "light duty" for a week.

On the last day on my "light duty" restriction I arrived at work to be immediately approached by Joel. He asked my to his office because his boss, Bernie Brummet need to "talk" to us.

During the conversation Bernie asked me about the previous week's episode. I informed him about everything and the condition I've had for years (not knowing if he was aware). After explaining everything he told me that I must get a note from my neurologist GUARANTEEING I will not have another seizure again.

Very upset with knowing what was happening I asked Bernie if he had epilepsy. He said, "No". I told him that HE couldn't even get a guarantee from a doctor. But even with that he asked me to do what I could.

Of course my doctor would not give me a guarantee just a note stating that as long as I comply with all my medications I SHOULDN'T have another seizure.

They told me that was not good enough and terminated my employment with them.

I tried to find an attorney to take the case but don't have the money to pay as none of the ones I spoke with would take it pro-bono.

I just can't believe that they didn't try to move me into a different job or anything. It hurts know the company you work for cares absolutely nothing about you.

Dave
Eagan, Minnesota
U.S.A.