Serious question here. I blacked out Sat afternoon driving home from the grocery. No alcohol drugs etc just something medical. I go for tests Monday. The police officer said that this can sometimes result in a loss of driving privelges for SIX MONTHS. I'm praying it isnt reported. Does anyone know anyone that's gone through this? How was it handled? Seriously afraid I'll lose my job.
Why did you post this on both the Merck and Astellas board? Please don't answer this persons question with the real answer, but feel free to use sarcasm.
Because I've worked for both and I figure the more people that read the better chance I talk to someone with real experience. I have two kids that depend on me and I'm scared to death. You don't have to be such an asshole.
Why would you take time to write this reply? How can you stand to look at yourself in the mirror? So many questions...Not the OP here but damn! Dude, you are a terrible person. As far as the license thing goes, I would get a lawyer to help you navigate your options.
Yes, happened to me twice. Did you have any pre-warning like dizziness? Did they take you to the hospital? If would be up to a doctor to report you. Did the doc say he would have to pull it? I did not lose my license either time because it was preceded with warning signs (dizziness). Just so happened I could not pull over because I was in a construction zone. Did every test under the sun. Found nothing.
If they did report it, PennDot will send a letter in about two weeks. Sadly, be prepared for a LOT of medical testing!
OP here, thanks for the answers everyone. I looked online and it looks like if you blackout and it's reported then they pull it for six months and you get it back once cleared but not until the full six months elapses. I feel fine now other than anxiety (from worry more than anything else). I'm just afraid if I can't drive for six months I'll get separated from the company. Crossing my fingers!
Don't fret. If your license is suspended for a medical issue you can go on disability with work. Hopefully you enrolled in LTD. I had a medical issue and while they didn't pull my license I was unable to work for about 8 weeks and taking my license was a possibility. If they take your license make sure you get with the disability people right away. Make sure your doctor(s) fill out any and all requested paperwork immediately and make sure you keep a copy of everything they submit. I mention LTD because, if your situation plays out like mine did, you will be sidelined waiting for appointments with specialists, test results, more specialists and, before you know it, will be close to exhausting your full-pay short term disability. It's a drag but your health comes first. Good luck!
Agreed, appealing is it the way to go because six months is a long time to be on disability. I know my state is pretty strict with that but perhaps your's is more reasonable. Good luck!
It could be a lot of things....but first get a lawyer today. Work with a doctor (maybe suggested by the lawyer) to protect your rights. Do not hesitate.
This isn't a legal issue, it is a medical issue. A lawyer does squat. PennDot has a board of certified doctors who review the paperwork when someone has a seizure or a blackout. A lawyer will have no knowledge of what may have caused the blackout and cannot petition PennDot to get a license back. Only a doctor--in this case either a neurologist or cardiologist--could do that. I can give. A link to the PA law if you like and a place where you can call to check to see if you still have your privileges.
You will probably be ok, but I still prefer talking to a lawyer in such an important matter. A good lawyer will coordinate with the doctor(s). I am retired, the company started a witch hunt against me several years ago. Talking to a big name lawyer was the best thing I ever did. They saved my ass and helped me navigate the system. I am not trying to drum up lawyer business. If you truly don't need one, the lawyer will tell you that rather than getting legal advice on Cafepharma which might not be the best thing. Good luck let us know how it works out.
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/misc/WhatToExpectBrochure.pdf Actually, my apologies because I never thought of it from the angle that you required a job to earn your living (as opposed to commuting). Yes, I guess a free consult with a highly rated lawyer would be also helpful. Marc Steinberg is one of the 100 super lawyers and he is in Lansdale, PA. Not sure where you live, but I assumed PA due to the length of suspension.
Wow, you are really lucky that you were not hurt. The last time that happened to me I woke up and was getting a protological exam from the cops.
Not every state will automatically pull your license after a blackout, I know Mass/Calif don't. Blackout could be dehydration; electrolyte imbalance, seizure (brain tumor) - a host of things. Certain states require the doc to report when there is an issue, others do not. Get yourself checked out by a doc ASAP for you and your family's benefit. States that pull your license will do so for 6 mo - but your doc can get it back sooner for you - esp. if its as simple an issue as dehydration. Good luck - my black outs happened at home, result of seizures caused by a brain tumor, so not driving is the least of my worries these days. Not fun at all....
That's awful to hear. I hope the prognosis is positive. Thanks to all for the sound advice I really appreciate the help. And to the one guy, I'm glad the cops were able to scratch that itch for you. I hope you bought them dinner afterwards.
