Returning to driving after a stroke

5 weeks ago my husband suffered multiple bilateral strokes to the back of his brain. He is 52 years old and has been a truck driver for 28 years. He suffered no paralysis. His symptoms have all been with thought process ,memory and spatial recognition. His recovery is coming along well. I know he can't consider going back to work for at least a year. His FMLA runs out mid July and his company will let him go. He is collecting STD right now for 6 months. He has paid into a Ltd through his work also but will he lose that when he loses his job? It wouldn't kick in until the STD runs out and he will no longer be with that company. Also, if his Dr clears him to go back to work before the year is up will he be allowed to go back sooner? If not can he still collect disability if DOT DRS don't clear him? Any help is appreciated! He can't think any of this through. And thinks he'll be back to work any day now. So I'm looking for answers. His work isn't inclined to help other than to tell me his termination date and how much cobra insurance will cost.

 

That's what I was thinking. I was hoping to avoid it. Disability pay only goes so far. Add private medical insurance into the mix.....
Thanx for your help and well wishes. Stay safe out there.

 

Thank-you for all the advice! I will be calling a lawyer this week. You're right about getting started on social security disability. I've heard nightmare stories about getting that approved. And yes, he is very lucky! He showed no classic signs of having a stroke. I came home from work and he said he felt " off" . He had a low grade fever. That was it. I took him to the medical center because I thought maybe he was coming down with a respiratory infection. It wasn't until he had trouble filling out the paperwork that I realized he had possibly had a stroke. The Dr there called 911. Very lucky indeed! Thanks again everyone!

 

Thank-you. We will be starting the ssd process this week. As of now he is collecting STD. His cardiologist informed us he will not be returning to driving truck ever. His mind doesn't seem to be processing it because of the damage from the stroke so getting the process started has been tricky. I think I have him convinced he needs to see a lawyer at least.