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Four years ago, I had an accident at work. I was plowing the highway during a bad spring storm when a van swerved into the road in front of me. I had two options–either hit the van and possibly kill the occupants, or hit the shoulder.

I opted for the latter, unknowingly causing an injury that would hold me back in my career for years to come. When I hit the shoulder, my plow caught on a piece of concrete, causing my truck to roll. I ended up in a ditch on the roof of my truck, while the inside filled with ice-slicing chemicals.

The accident tore my rotator cuff, as well as did damage to my inner ear. I was out of work for four months during that time. While my employer continued to compensate me for my wages, as well as paying my medical expenses, it was not without its downside. Because of the time lost off the job, I was overlooked for promotions, as well as any overtime incentives which may have been awarded. It was also extremely difficult to follow the strict instructions of the worker’s compensation doctors. Physical therapy appointments were required, however I was not allowed to drive. My wife had to take time off work in order to shuttle me from appointments and exams, which caused a lot of grief with her employer. Overall, my employer paid all worker’s compensation claims on my behalf. However, during the time off work, I lost some credibility on the job.

I also lost some overtime wages, as well as my wife’s loss of time and wages from her job. The injury, though long since healed, still becomes aggravated from time to time–however I suppose it is just an aggravation I will have to live with.