Furious - need some clarity

[kathie859]

I'm sorry OP, that sounds like a huge mess and headache. HR is not handling this properly and the doc should have been told to leave you alone. There shouldn't be any question if they told you an employee would be fired but you're right, her position is probably affecting that outcome. Not fair but it happens a lot.

Stay calm, document, and touch base with HR to make sure they tell her to leave you alone. Let your insurance handle it with hers and push them for a comparable rental. Keep doing your job and being a model employee. Don't give them any reason to question your job.

Not that I'm in love with HR folks but the OP doesn't KNOW what HR has said to the Dr and how they are investigating the incident. HR can not and should not discuss any type of possible disciplinary actions of another employee.

OP, call the rental people and tell them you require a larger vehicle, comparable to what was damaged. They will clear it with the insurance company.

If approached by the Dr, walk away without comment.

Most importantly--CALM DOWN--no one was hurt and sheet metal can be replaced. Is the Dr a jerk? Heck yeah--

 

[Bren's Mom]

Also the rental I got is very hard to get in and out of while this pregnant. I miss my suv.

{{{{hugs}}} For starters, who needs this kind of added stress when pregnant? So sorry you're going through this.

My brand new minivan was struck while in an EMPTY parking lot while my mom, little son and I were having breakfast nearby. When we got back, the person, thankfully, left a note. We called police, and called the person who hit my car.

I went through her insurance. Because there was no question she was at fault. When I got to the car rental place, I told them I wanted a minivan, because THAT was what I was being denied because of the insured. So to please contact the insurance co to get the auth for the upgrade. (Nicely, because it's wasn't the rental place's issue.) And her insurance paid it.

I'd call your insurance co. Explain you can't get in and out, ask to please have you upgraded. They will be subrogating this to her insurance co anyway. And ultimatley returning your deductible to you. YOUR ins co won't be out anything.

If they can't do that, upgrade the car yourself, keep the receipts, and get an attorney. You should not be denied anything or inconvenienced or stressed in ANY way while this is going on.

 

[usd2bmd]

Ok, I have not read through all of the posts so forgive me...but this is my take on the whole thing.

First I would also be furious if I came out of work to find my car had been seriously damaged and that whomever did it did not leave a note or try to find out who the car belonged to.

You did everything you should have done, contacted police and your insurance company, while the Dr. did nothing right. the fact that security discovered who was responsible is wonderful for you because now you do not have to worry about any of this coming out of your pocket.

But (and this is only my opinion) your HR dept did not have to give them your name all they needed to do was get her insuance information from her and forward that. If they decide to fire her for doing waht she did and not doing what she was supposed to that is on them NOT YOU. I would have no further contact with the Dr. advise her to contact your insurance company or better yet yoru lawyer.

I certainly hope that she gets a ticket and possibly arrested and if she gets fired, so be it.
Sorry that you had to go through it at all.

 

[Deb in IA]

I think you've done your part just by reporting it. If she harrasses you, play the pregnancy card on her & mention all the stress of having to have your vehicle repaired and finding transportation during the down time of the repair. She should worry more about being sued than being fired!!

While that may be true, I would warn you NOT to do this.

It may backfire badly for you, in that THEY can say that you are being too emotional and irrational because of your pregnancy, because you just admitted that you are "filled with hormones" and that is "affecting your judgement".

 

[krcit]

PS: I suspect that one reason that she failed to report right away, is that would have revealed that she was 'UNDER THE INFLUENCE'.

That would certainly be a very valid reason for termination.
And, huge problems for her if she is already on record with prior incidents/convictions.

Doctors are not immune to problems with alcohol and the drugs that they have such access too.
Very common, actually.

A normal, unaffected, person just does not drive/behave this way!!!!!

I see people driving like lunatics every day. I also see people ignoring responsibilities every day. I think you're making a huge assumption to say she was drunk/drugged. A lot of people are just entitled *******es unfortunately.

 

[dansamy]

Notify HR every, single time the doctor approaches you. Notify HR of each incident with not just a verbal notice. You also need to send a written notice certified mail with return receipt. Retain a lawyer immediately. Let your lawyer handle communication with both insurance companies, the perpetrator, and your HR. It's time to protect yourself & your family. Your HR won't, your insurance company won't. They're going to protect their interests, which may not be the same as yours.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I see people driving like lunatics every day. I also see people ignoring responsibilities every day. I think you're making a huge assumption to say she was drunk/drugged. A lot of people are just entitled *******es unfortunately.

True.... you can't count on assumptions...
And, I def. did NOT state that as any given assumption.
I never declared 'guilt'.

But, this possibility is just coming across as HUGE to me.
Can a normal 'entitled ****' get into a fender bender? Sure.
But, the extent of what the OP has described (both the extent of the accident, and the behaviors) just SCREAMS of a person who is somehow impaired. (first thing in the morning, arriving to work, no less)

And, I would feel remiss if I didn't mention that this could be an issue.

The OP, also, needs to be making no assumption as to the person she is dealing with, and what issues might be involved.

 

[Wishing on a star]

While that may be true, I would warn you NOT to do this.

It may backfire badly for you, in that THEY can say that you are being too emotional and irrational because of your pregnancy, because you just admitted that you are "filled with hormones" and that is "affecting your judgement".

Unfortunately, this might be true.

This HR department seems bound to protect themselves and this 'Doctor'.

If you are deemed 'a problem'... They can and will find a way to handle the problem. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY AMMUNITION AGAINST YOU.

Proceed slowly and deliberately.

Keep all of your bases covered.

 

[ceemys]

I wouldn't fire her. It has nothing to do with her capabilities as a physician. Should she get a ticket?? You betcha!! Arrested? No. I don't agree with that either, but that is a decision made by the police. Just make her pay the damages and move on.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

I don't see what hiring a lawyer is going to do for you at this stage, OP, much as it pains me (a lawyer) to say so. Though you may need to hire one at a later date.

Lawyers are not miracle workers. All we can do is protect your rights via legal proceedings. Right now I don't see anything for your lawyer to do except run up a bill.

Of course, I am not fully familiar with the facts, and encourage you to seek out legal advice from someone practicing in your area if you have any concerns.

Can I ask a question? Is it possible HR has stopped responding to you because you're not bringing any bew information to them, but rather, just keep asking them what they plan to do about the situation?

Lwe HR do its thing, don't keep pestering them to find out what they plan to do. Report any further incidents of harassment. If the situation does not resolve itself shortly, consider consulting the attorney about your hostile work environment.

I don't think the doctor is legally responsible for your stress in having to deal with the car accident, but may be legally responsible for stress you experience because of her harassment. Document, document, document. And if you see your OB make sure your OB documents everything as well.

And if you do hire counsel, don't go around saying stuff like "talk to my lawyer" or handing out her business cards. Walj away from the situation, call your lawyer and let her handle it.

Sent from my SCH-I800 using DISBoards

 

[LisaR]

OMG! Normally I read these "Am I overreacting" threads and think YES before I make it past the third sentence. In your case, OP'er, NO! It isn't hormones, either. I'm not pregnant and I am just as pissed for you!

Your hospital should have security. I know when I worked in one, they were always willing to walk us to our cars. I wouldn't leave without them and make sure they are aware of what is going on.


She sounds unstable. I am so sorry you are going through this, especially when pregnant.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I do work for an attorney, however I am not one, but here is my take.

1. Hire an attorney.
2. Have your attorney file a Motion to prevent the hospital from altering or destroying or taping over the videos.
3. Have your attorney subpoena those records.
4. Contact your local circuit Clark's office to find out if she received a ticket. If not, push to have a ticket issued. Go to court at her hearing. If there is no complaining witness, it is very easy to get the ticket dismissed. At least that way it will show on her record.

Good luck and best wishes for a happy, healthy baby.

 

[SingWithFlowers]

Ok, I have not read through all of the posts so forgive me...but this is my take on the whole thing.

First I would also be furious if I came out of work to find my car had been seriously damaged and that whomever did it did not leave a note or try to find out who the car belonged to.

You did everything you should have done, contacted police and your insurance company, while the Dr. did nothing right. the fact that security discovered who was responsible is wonderful for you because now you do not have to worry about any of this coming out of your pocket.

But (and this is only my opinion) your HR dept did not have to give them your name all they needed to do was get her insuance information from her and forward that. If they decide to fire her for doing waht she did and not doing what she was supposed to that is on them NOT YOU. I would have no further contact with the Dr. advise her to contact your insurance company or better yet yoru lawyer.

I certainly hope that she gets a ticket and possibly arrested and if she gets fired, so be it.
Sorry that you had to go through it at all.

I agree with all of this.

Don't entertain her or HR anymore - I don't think HR handled it correctly at all either. If HR wants to talk more about it let them know that you're following protocol with your insurance company, possibly a lawyer, and the DMV/police department.

 

[happygirl]

OP I'm so sorry that this has happened to you.

I don't think HR should have got involved in the first place. Give the police the info and let them deal with her. If she keeps bothering you call the police. I'm sure she has good insurance it will all work out. Get some rest

 

[Wishing on a star]

I agree with Lorelei Lee,
While a consultation with a lawyer might be very helpful in advising you how to handle this, and documenting, etc...
To start with the 'my lawyer', letters, motions, business cards, etc...
at this point....
Will not help you, and will def. make you and your motives look bad.
Stirring up unnecessary trouble and ill-will.

Just make sure that HR has 'advised this other employee not to be contacting and speaking with you'....

That is the only thing, right now at this point.

Let the insurance and HR handle everything else.
Work with your husband to make sure that insurance is paying up...
That's it....

Your continued and unnecessary personal involvement at this point could end up working against you.

The GOOD thing about a consultation is: If any further action does become necessary, because of this woman's actions... You will be ready to handle it right away, at first sign, on a moments notice.

 

[J/T Gramdma]

OP you said you are trying to come up with the deductible, if you go through her insurance you don't have to pay the deductible.

Yes you do, After it is gone thru the courts and the ins co gets their money,they will refund your deductible. That is what happened to me when a driver denied their actions.

 

[gwynne]

I agree with Lorelei Lee,
While a consultation with a lawyer might be very helpful in advising you how to handle this, and documenting, etc...
To start with the 'my lawyer', letters, motions, business cards, etc...
at this point....
Will not help you, and will def. make you and your motives look bad.
Stirring up unnecessary trouble and ill-will.

Just make sure that HR has 'advised this other employee not to be contacting and speaking with you'....

That is the only thing, right now at this point.

Let the insurance and HR handle everything else.
Work with your husband to make sure that insurance is paying up...
That's it....

Your continued and unnecessary personal involvement at this point could end up working against you.

The GOOD thing about a consultation is: If any further action does become necessary, because of this woman's actions... You will be ready to handle it right away, at first sign, on a moments notice.

JMO--
No client using good judgement ever utters, "my lawyer this, my lawyer that, and/or hands someone they are in conflict with a card." That's only in rather bad movies. If contact is needed from the lawyer, the attorney will write the letter.

OP should not let anyone (except her husband) know she's seeking some advice.

There are plenty of reputable attorneys that will allow OP to come in sit down, and get their take on the situation. OP doesn't currently have anyone that is totally representing her. She can tell her story, listen, and see what the attorney says. Most won't charge for a 1st visit. I think OP should absolutely go and see what they say. And if you do this, OP make sure you give the attorney all the information. Write it down, use notes. It doesn't have to be a book, just date, time place, what was said. Don't add, don't detract, to get a clear picture the attorney needs all the facts.

Before you go, think a bit about what your specific concerns are, as well as what would you see as a reasonable resolution to this situation. Also ask the attorney what concerns, pitfalls they see? What would they see as a reasonable resolution or goal?

 

[DebbieB]

I would let the insurance company handle it at this point. They have lawyers on their staff, no need to hire one of your own unless you're not getting satisfaction. If you have the doctor's name and plate #, they should be able to track her insurance information down.

If she bothers you, call security or call the police. I wouldn't get involved with HR, it's their decision to discipline her.

 

[cabanafrau]

The rental car may be dependent upon your particular insurance policy. Here in Michigan it is a separate option for a rental car, which you pay extra for in your premium. You also are able to select a daily dollar amount which the insurance company would agree to reimburse you for X amount of days. I know for us we selected the cheapest daily dollar amount, which equates to a compact rental, and in some cases might not even fully cover some of the compacts.

Can you change your rental? Sure. But be aware it may come out of your pocket depending on your insurance carrier & policy. I had to laugh when I read someone stating it's your insurance company's job to "make you whole." One look at an insurance policy with all its fine print and carefully parsed language should make anyone question that notion.

OP may be in a good position since her insurance company will be reimbursed by the other driver's insurance. The only fly in the ointment would be if they're both covered by the same company. They'll get tight if they don't have another company's pockets to spend with.

 

[DebbieB]

When my car was hit, since it was initially under my policy since I didn't know who it was, they would only pay the $30/day on my policy for a rental. I had to pay the remainder (like $5/day). When they found the driver and his insurance accepted the claim, I sent the receipt for the remainder to them and they sent me a check.