Permanent lifting restrictions

I am 58, had a laminectomy when 32.  Have worked in the mining industry for 22 years doing a lot of heavy lifting with no problems whatsoever.  Have applied with a new company and they rejected me because the PA who examined me put a permanent 50 lb lifting restriction on me.  The PA told me she didn't care what my neurosurgeon had told me, she was placing the restriction on me for life.  My surgeon is retired, so that avenue is out of the question.  I feel totally dunned by this PA's actions and am considering legal action...if I have done fine for 22 years what's the problem?

[ggreg]

Well, you can work this to your advantage and ask her if she'll support an application for social security disability for yourself.  In addition, you could visit a new doc and let them check you out physically and ask them if they, too, will support a disability claim.  As for a job doing heavy lifting like mining, while 25 years ago you could still work despite your surgery, there are many litigious people in our society, and thus companies are far more restrictive when it comes to health issues creating an injury lawsuit for them, that's all.  While some things are worth pursuing, you getting a job with that company is not one of them, becuz they are not exactly discriminating; rather they are protecting their bottom line.  

I don't know how recently this rejection of you has happened, but if this news came to you within a week's time, you could ask the employment people in that company if they have a place to use your years of experience by offering you some sort of light-duty work, or if they could refer you to another company.  Also, you should go to the state Employment Security Commission and speak to an employment counselor there, see can they direct you to a job suited to you.  Also, if you can work for the State or Federal Government in your area, you should apply at their employment centers.  But I feel for you, I know what it's like to be in your 50s and not be able to find work, you wind up lowering your standards for what kind of work you will do just to get food on the table.  It's not fair, but life is not fair, rather it's what you make of it.  Best wishes and hope you find some solution soon.