Work-related injuries sometimes result in permanent injuries to the arms, legs, hands, or feet, limiting your employment prospects and every aspect of your daily life. Putting a dollar amount to these injuries can seem impossible, which is why it’s important to understand how the workers' compensation board calculates your physical damages. In most states, the board or insurance companies use a formula known as Scheduled Loss of Use (SLU) to compensate you for these permanent injuries.

What Is a Scheduled Loss of Use?

Types of Injuries

In some states, the loss of function in an extremity is calculated differently than hearing or vision loss. New York and some other states, however, use an SLU to determine your actual losses for injuries to any body part, including hands, arms, feet, eyes, or ears. If you’re not sure if your injuries qualify, talk to a skilled workers’ compensation attorney before filing your claim.

Receiving Scheduled Loss of Use Payments

SLU payments are issued on top of your typical workers’ compensation benefits, and you may qualify even if you never missed work or have already returned to the job. As long as your injuries are permanent, you may be able to continue receiving SLU benefits even if you’ve found another career that isn’t affected by your disability.

How to Qualify for SLU Payments

To receive SLU benefits, your doctor must submit a report detailing the extent of your injury and your likelihood of making a full recovery. If your function is still limited after reaching maximum medical improvement, the board will likely request an additional medical opinion, submitted within 60 days. Your attorney can also guide you through this process, ensuring you get every dollar to which you’re entitled.

For over 30 years, Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates has represented injured workers throughout Rochester, NY. Their commitment to ethical practice and aggressively representing their clients has earned them high ratings from several of the industry’s leading organizations, including the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Visit their website for more on their workers’ compensation and scheduled loss awards, follow their Twitter for more tips and advice, or call (585) 232-3240 to schedule your free case evaluation.