Update on my recovery.

After getting PMs from Oakleaf and Redrhodie I realized I had not kept you all updated!

I ended up going to another doctor for a second opinion and I am glad that I did. He said there was a hematoma (very common) on the CT taken at the ER and had some concerns about blood clots so he increased my aspirin dosage. He also encouraged me to get back to work so that I was up and moving. Very different from the 2 weeks bed rest I was prescribed by the other doctor.

So I suffered through the first week at work and crashed the moment I came home every day. Pain meds helped quite a bit. I am not one to take drugs but I admit I am relying on them quite a bit.

I hired an attorney that is a regular at the bike shop and he is great. He has contacted the dog owner and asked for their insurance info. An insurance adjuster contacted him just today so they are aware that I will be making a claim. I like this guy cause we are on the same page that I just want my expenses covered and I am not looking to profit from this.

However, BF has ridden by the farm on a few occasions since the accident and they have made no attempt to keep the gate closed that he could tell. He saw the dog one time but he was with some farm hands and showed no interest in him. BF is outraged at the owners reaction and lack of common decency. She even had the nerve to tell someone they both know "I guess your friend is suing me."

I had a check up today and new xrays show some healing but I am still on the crutches for at least 2 more weeks with BF driving me everywhere. My range of motion has increased quite a bit but I have one sleeping position. That means I wake up after a few hours with horrible back pain and no way to shift and relieve it. Acupuncture is helping but it just a slow process as the bone heals.

Thanks to everyone here that has been thinking of me. It really means a lot.

I cant wait to get my life back and get back on my bike!

Amazing how one instance can change your life. I hope everything works out for you, and that you are on your bike in no time!

Ariel, That is so awful! It's AMAZING what people get away with. :(

Glad to hear you are slowly on the mend. I can't believe the nerve of that woman to still be so self absorbed. Ugh.

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Originally Posted by arielmoon

I like this guy cause we are on the same page that I just want my expenses covered and I am not looking to profit from this.

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I do hope you are asking for punitive damages and not just doctor bills.You are certainly enduring a lot of pain and suffering. It may be just the impetus for the dog owner to be more responsible.

Thanks everyone!

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Originally Posted by Zen

I do hope you are asking for punitive damages and not just doctor bills.You are certainly enduring a lot of pain and suffering. It may be just the impetus for the dog owner to be more responsible.

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BF thinks they may and try to settle sooner rather than later but either way, I will be including punitive damage. My life has been greatly altered by this accident.

what happened arielmoon???

batsheva

loose dog on the road, collision, stupid dog owner, do a search on her last thread.

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Originally Posted by Zen

I do hope you are asking for punitive damages and not just doctor bills.You are certainly enduring a lot of pain and suffering. It may be just the impetus for the dog owner to be more responsible.

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Agree. THe dog needs to be locked up and the owner needs to learn how to become a decent Citizen. I cannot believe that after causing a major accident they still let that dog run wild. And I guess another question would be - is there an 'animal control' in the area, why aren't the cops locking up the dog and fining the owner?
I hope you recover fast!!!

Arielmoon: I'm so glad to hear you are improving. It seems we have many ladies recovering on the forum. It really does sound like everything has had to change for you. I'm sorry about that.

Keep your spirits up and keep taking great care of yourself.
We are all thinking of you!

One thing to keep in mind...
Years ago I was involved in a car accident where I broke my femur. I have a rod running the length of my femur as a result.
At the time my family and I just wanted my medical bills paid. We are not "sue happy people" as my mom would say.
We ended up getting that, as well as a very small settlement, that we really didn't ask for.
The one thing we did not think of was FUTURE medical issues...
I have since learned that I should have had the rod removed once my leg healed. A good customer of ours is the head of ortho at the local hospital. He was shocked I've had it so long, and made a HUGE case for why it should be taken out. Being a cyclist is a HUGE part of that case...
The problem is, my medical insurance won't pay for it this late in the game..
So now I'm regretting not thinking a few years down the road.
Just food for thought...

edit to add- GOOD to hear from you! Hope your back at it soon, and sorry to hear about the pain. UGH

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Originally Posted by Running Mommy

The one thing we did not think of was FUTURE medical issues...

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+1 for emphasis. There is usually a statue of limitations that keeps you from having a future claim, so you will need to consult with physicians for guidance and make sure this is part of the compensatory settlement.

I'm glad you're seeking punitive compensation as well.

Running Mommy- wow that is incredible! I cant believe no one said anything about taking the rod out. Then again I should not be surprised. When I was having my wisdom teeth removed, a stainless steel dental instrument broke and went up into my sinus cavity where it remains many years later. Last time I went to the dentist, they were freaked out and I was told I should see an oral surgeon about getting it removed.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

loose dog on the road, collision, stupid dog owner, do a search on her last thread.

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Great summary- I would only add fractured pelvis in there :p

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Originally Posted by arielmoon

Thanks everyone!

BF thinks they may and try to settle sooner rather than later but either way, I will be including punitive damage. My life has been greatly altered by this accident.

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There are some situations where it is good to be working with a lawyer who specializes in these things, to look out for your best interests. Keep in mind that the other guys insurance wants to give you as little money as possible - that is their job. So, I am glad you've hired one. Especially if the owner is blowing off the seriousness of the injury.

I would do exactly what the lawyer tells you to do. In most cases, this involves not communicating directly with the other parties and waiting as long as possible to settle. In the beginning you really can't tell what kind of treatment you will need or the long term effects.

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I just want my expenses covered and I am not looking to profit from this.

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Lawsuits have a bad rap, but in some cases I believe it's the right thing to do, to go after someone for negligence and to get your payment for pain and suffering and maybe teach them a lesson in the process. You might have to endure discomfort and pain and lessened athletic ability for years to come. What is that worth to you? That is not frivolous. It is not about "profiting" from the lawsuit, it's about compensating you for current and future pain, your loss of enjoyment of life etc.

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Originally Posted by Irulan

There are some situations where it is good to be working with a lawyer who specializes in these things, to look out for your best interests. Keep in mind that the other guys insurance wants to give you as little money as possible - that is their job. So, I am glad you've hired one. Especially if the owner is blowing off the seriousness of the injury.

I would do exactly what the lawyer tells you to do. In most cases, this involves not communicating directly with the other parties and waiting as long as possible to settle. In the beginning you really can't tell what kind of treatment you will need or the long term effects.


Lawsuits have a bad rap, but in some cases I believe it's the right thing to do, to go after someone for negligence and to get your payment for pain and suffering and maybe teach them a lesson in the process. You might have to endure discomfort and pain and lessened athletic ability for years to come. What is that worth to you? That is not frivolous.

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Great advice- thank you!

One of things that sold me on my attorney is that he is a very active cyclist too.