In July of 2004, I sent an E-Mail to my supervisor stating that I was leaving the office at noon. The next day I saw my doctor and told him that I was having problems coping at work. (I have been diagnosed with ‘Major Depressive Disorder’ and under his care since since 1997). He gave me a note for my employer that I was under his care and would be out for 2 weeks. My company requested the family and medical leave paper work and my doctor filled out the paper work stating that my absence would continue due to being too depressed and anxious to work. . My doctor prepared a statement that it was his opinion that I would benefit from ‘day hospital’ treatment(a requirement for getting STD). and I applied for the company’s short-term disability benefits My company scheduled me to visit with their doctor to confirm my doctor’s diagnosis.
Before this appointment, I filed a harassment complaint, with the company’s HR department, against my supervisor. In the complaint, I stated that my current mental and physical condition (I know, self diagnosis) was due to my supervisor. My company said that since I was injured on the job they would stop the STD claim and subsequently sent me the forms to file Workmans comp. (state of Georgia)
Next, I got an email from my company stating that their investigation did not confirm my harassment claims, my position had been eliminated and that I was terminated. (kind of funny timing to me). Now for the questions.
1. Is this a workman’s comp or STD? I have both the psychological and back muscle pain (a stress pain) that leans to the comp side. Or, is a pre-existing condition leaning towards STD.
2. How do I proceed with a hostile work place (harassment) filing, as I do not believe that they did a good faith investigation.
H