butterwm

I was hoping to maybe get some advice from folks that have had to use the OJI process. During my last trip the van driver who picked us up in OKC was making a left turn at a light. He didn't see the concrete center meridian and ended up driving right over it and a pretty good rate of speed. Both pilots went flying in the back of the van and we both started having back pain immediately afterwards.

We were both able to finish the trip but it wasn't comfortable. Two days after the trip I was still in a significant amount of pain and went to my doctor. X-rays revealed a severe muscle strain which is pulling on the vertebrae causing my pain and discomfort. The strain was so bad they were able to see it on the x-ray. They commented that it must have been quite a jolt to the back in the van. They have me on a pretty heavy muscle relaxer regiment for the next week to get the inflammation down. As a result, I won't be able to go on my next trip starting Tuesday both because of the pain and discomfort I am in but also because of the mesucle relaxers I am on.

Here is where it gets a little complicated. We are taking a trip the week after for spring break and planning to non-rev. If I call out sick then I can call back in well (assuming I am feeling better) to be able to non-rev. On the flip side, if I am out because of an OJI does that prevent me from non-rev travel or raise questions about why I am taking a personal vacation trip when I'm out on an OJI?

Any thoughts or recommendations?

OOfff

talk to your CPO. That’s what they’re here for

cencal83406

Did the seatbelts fail? How do you “go flying” while wearing them?

Under the remote possibility someone wasn’t wearing a seatbelt… I don’t know if OJI would be approved.

butterwm

No the seatbelts worked fine. It was the upward motion to the top of the seatbelt range and then the slam back down onto the seat. It was the range of motion in the play of the seatbelts.

cencal83406

Well dang! I don’t think I would have flown the flight you guys did. Seems like that should have led to a cancellation.

higney85

sent you a PM

PotatoChip

Recommndation: Not discussing this on a public forum.
You have many people/departments at your disposal to help you.
You could start with your LEC. You could call the CPO (I personally wouldn't, but you could). You could contact a reputable injury lawyer.

Also, this is one reason I buy airfare for all family vacations. It's worth it.

Nick Bradshaw

This is the way.

Also, I wouldn't waste my time with the OJI process. It's designed to protect the company, not you. They will pigeon hole you into a world of doctors whose sole mission is the remove the company from liability and say you're "good enough" to go to work, not to help you get better. Plus all of it is FAA reportable on your next medical.

I'd use the company insurance to see good doctors and get fixed up. I'd use my sick time. I'd buy tickets to go on vacation assuming your up for it. You should probably schedule an MRI to make sure there isn't underlying trauma like a ruptured disk and will cause you trouble years down the road. That won't show on an X-ray.

UHC will deny your claim and say it's a "subrogate" claim. In other words, they aren't the responsible party. You'll be out of pocket. You're then going to have to lawyer up and sue the limo company and/or hotel to recover the costs of your injuries and damages. Maybe even future earnings and medical expenses if there's long term damage.

None of this is going to be easy or fun for you.

cencal83406

I hope you’re not suggesting that by not using OJI he wouldn’t be obligated to report his dr visits or MRIs or anything to do with this to his AME? I must be misunderstanding this part.

Nick Bradshaw

Yeah you're misunderstanding. It's all FAA reportable, but it wouldn't be wise to use a quack company shill doctor who might give you a bad diagnosis that could effect your medical. Better to see a real doctor with aeromedical experience.

But admirable attempt to trap me and be king of the internet. Not today, cencal, not today.