It only took the Dvla 3 years.

[chilistrucker]

I remember posting in here about 3 years ago feeling pretty much at rock bottom.

At 7.30 am this morning I got a phone call from the lady at the Dvla who has been helping me this past year to tell me that my LGV licences are being reinstated, and I can begin my claim for compensation.

I hugged my Mrs, went and sat in the garden and cried.

3 fking years of some, (for me) monumental ups and downs, mainly downs but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I won, it's still sinking in.
Think I've learned some very valuable lessons along the way.

Odd post maybe, but I know a few on here will be interested in the outcome.

Never, ever give up.

[chilistrucker]

Flying Fish said:

Can you post a link to the original thread please?
Ta

Will try over the weekend as on my phone at mo.

Thanks to everyone for the comments, tbh it's all still sinking in. To think I fought this tooth and nail for 3 years without any real success, that was until the PHSO report came out last October, that was the game changer.

I Still had to continue to fight this last year though, up until about 10 weeks ago when the ICA contacted me.

The Independent Complaints Assessor were fantastic from the start. They Explained they had read a 300 page report on my case and wanted to take my case on. Obviously they carry the right clout and are very well versed on these sorts of cases against the DVLA/DMG.

After the ICA finished their investigation, they sent copies of their report to both the DVLA and myself.

I was exceptionally happy with their report. A few days later a letter arrived from the DVLA explaining they agreed fully with the findings of the ICA report. They also apologised, ( although a bit lack lustre) included a cheque for a 'consolatory' payment and had also included the compensation forms.
They added that should the Chief Medical officer at the DMG rule in my favour, I could then claim what I thought I was owed in compensation.

Now there's a question and a half!!!!!!!!

Finally at 7.30? Thursday morning I got the news I've been fighting for 3 years for telling me that I am fit to return to driving lorries.

Will I go back on the lorries and the rock n roll tours? Not sure really.

From day 1 of this fiasco all I ever wanted was a fair ruling and my livelihood back based on factual medical evidence. I certainly didn't want the last 3 years I've had all thanks to the now much publicised failings at the DMG/DVLA

I will certainly be filling in the compensation forms, but I'm pretty sure that what I think I may be owed, and what the DVLA will say I am owed are two very different figures.

I'm clearly no expert on this, so wonder if a trip to a legal professional would be worthwhile?

[chilistrucker]

WinstonWolf said:

Great news!

Link to your original thread here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

[chilistrucker]

Darkslider said:

Not read your history, and don't know what you've been doing for work in the last three years but surely the differential in loss of earnings would be a good figure to start with? Plus whatever price you would put on the stress of it all of course.

This is pretty much my train of thought. The thing is the ICA report says that I should have had my licences back a year ago. The battle has been over 3 years and in hindsight and looking at all the relevant evidence my own personal opinion is that I should of had to wait a full year from the day i got the all clear from my consultant.

This would mean that IMHO I should have had my licence back in September 2015. I would of gladly accepted that. As I now know the DVLA/DMG just failed on so many levels and this Isn't just my opinion it is now there in black and white from reports by the PHSO and also in individual cases like mine investigated by the ICA.

I guess the differential loss of earnings is pretty easy to work out, I think the DVLA will only want to go to 1 year, I clearly want 2 years although would settle on the middle ground at 18 months.

Then there is the stress of it all. How on earth do you put a price on that??? I really would not know where to start. I could understand how maybe certain people would take a dim view on the 'stress' element of it, MTFU and all that, but you do have to have lived it to be able to understand it.

I have never ever wanted pity I just wanted what was right. After 3 years justice has finally been done but it has cost me both financially and emotionally. How I now put that into a compensation claim is going to be interesting.


A bit off topic here but one thing I did learn from the ICA is this.
The DMG/DVLA constantly told me that the expert panel of DMG doctors regularly met to review cases, rulings etc. There is no evidence to prove that at any given time that any one of these experts particular field was in the neurology field. After these regular meetings, (2 a year) they then make a report listing ideas and suggestions to be taken into consideration.

They then pass this onto a panel of doctors still at the DMG but at a GP level for them to discuss and make final decisions on. The so called experts in their fields will not make the actual decisions, they prefer to pass it on to others at GP level.

[chilistrucker]

Russ35 said:

Great news Neil.

P.s. Do you want to buy some Roger Waters memorabilia

Nah still got a shed load of fake gear left, couldn't get any buyers

Seriously though, the whole sad farce of the last 3 and a bit years cost me nearly all the gear I collected, crazy eh.

I managed to hold onto my signed Chad Smith drumsticks though.

Once again thanks to all of you for the comments, I really do appreciate it

[chilistrucker]

BackOut46 said:

Chilistrucker, I’ve just been redirected to here.
Congratulations!
You ought to be able to sue them, but whatever the outcome you won’t get back all the blood sweat and tears it’s cost you.
I’ve just started this party game with them (see the end of your original thread) so I don’t hold much hope for an early resolution, let alone victory.
Life’s too frigging short for this crap!

Hello mate, sorry for the late reply but work, (chauffeur at mo) is flat out. Early starts, late finishes.

I have just read your other post and whilst horrified that this st is still going on, as you can imagine I am not surprised. The DMG are still a disgrace, if they were a business working in the public domain they'd have been closed down last October when they were finally rumbled and it was made public thanks to the PHSO report.

First thing I'd say is keep records of everything, times, dates, names the lot. Also constantly remind them of the PHSO report, tell them you 'are' seeking legal advice and are well aware of their past failings.

I'd also get my MP involved, mine did but it didn't really go anywhere as it was all pre PHSO report.

I would also go to the DVLA complaints department, quoting all of the above and say you want to launch an official complaint, get the ball rolling on this ASAP. Tell them you want the complaint addressed in the first instance, and if the findings are not to your liking you will then be contacting the ICA to seek further advice.

I can't stress enough how much you have to ram down their throats that you are fully aware of the failings at the DMG/DVLA and how it appears that many of these issues are still being ignored post PHSO report and the findings of the ICA on the cases it has investigated.


I don't know if it helps but feel free to drop me a PM at anytime and if you want I'd be happy to chat over the phone if you have any questions. I'll also try and dig out names and phone numbers for relevant departments if that helps?

Bear with me though if I take a while to reply currently, its just work is bonkers, sorry.
Honestly though I will get back to you asap if required, I would do everything in my power to avoid anyone else having to go through the same st I did.

[chilistrucker]

Best of luck.
The DMG failings are beyond belief and it appears little has changed post PHSO report, it's a disgrace especially when playing with people's livelihoods.

I now have to start my compensation claim, should be interesting...

I got there in the end, and take it as a massive victory, it has certainly been a learning curve in so many ways.

Offer stands, if you think I can help at any stage, just drop me a PM, good luck.