Confused and baffled in Mississippi!!!

Hi sorry you can't sue a company for getting laid off. No lawyer
would take the case because you got laid off. Business are always
down sizing do to the economy.

I have to agree with Teddybear, I don't think you can sue for being laid off. However, if (and that's a big if) you can prove that you were laid off because of your diagnosis, you may have a case. Generally, if you call and make an appointment with an attorney, you can get the first consultation for free, and they'll tell you then if you have a case or not. When call, if the receptionist ask for a reason, just tell them you'd rather discuss it with the attorney at your appointment. I've done that myself. If they press for a reason, do NOT give that person a lot of details. Just tell them you think you have been discriminated against at your job due to your illness, and leave it at that. Let the attorney make the decision whether or not you have a case, not the receptionist or paralegal. the attorney is probably never heard you even called. your other option is Legal Services, we have a local chapter here in Vicksburg, so I'm sure you have one down there. You also have the option of filing for disability. When I was on Remicade (oh my gosh the cost of that!!!), there was always someone in the room on medicade or medicare that was getting their treatment for free, or practically free. You have options.

Glea~

I am also on the Gulf Coast...there are numerous foundations available in our area that offer prescription assistance. Your rheumy should be able to get you in touch with them. Also, you can check out the Mississippi Drug Card...it is a prescription card available for MS residents to help with RX costs.

If your meds are still too high, your rheumy might be able to work with you on getting you settled with some "older" meds that are less expensive.

As far as attorneys, MS is an at-will state. I'm not sure there is anything you can do about losing your job. I'd definitely check into the government funding and resources that are available. I mean, you worked to be able to reap those benefits if needed! You can also check with the Medicaid office about being a
"Working Disabled" if you don't qualify for full Disability. It's a program with MS Medicaid to help those of us that have been told we shouldn't work, but are still working. (I'm self-employed and unfortunately didn't qualify for it, but you may have better luck!)

I'm not sure which Rheumy you are using, but I've heard Dr. North is Pascagoula is AMAZING! I currently use the Infirmary in Mobile, but am on Dr. North's waiting list (it takes about a year to get a new patient appointment!). I hope things start looking up for you!!

Were you given a reason for being let go? Where you the only one let go? If so, I would think you could indeed sue the company. I'm sure they'll have some bogus reason for the lay-off...they'll never admit that your illness was the reason. I've always heard that you are supposed to make potential employers aware of your illness before accepting a job, but I've usually kept it secret. Its hard, enduring the pain in secret, but I know that they will use it as an excuse to let you go or not hire you in the first place. Why would someone hire a person who has a chronic, debilitating disease when there are at least half a dozen other qualified people who aren't sick? They would envision you having to take a lot of sick days, or even going on disability. Its not fair, I know, but that's the way it is.