If you have suffered a hip injury on the job in Brooklyn, NY, we can help you understand the process of obtaining Schedule Loss of Use benefits. Our hip injury lawyers in Brooklyn at O’Connor Law are familiar with the requirements for receiving compensation.
We recommend working with a lawyer to protect your rights and pursue a fair award. For guidance on this process, consult with a Brooklyn schedule loss of use lawyer who can help you with your case. We will work with you to increase the chances that you receive the benefits you are entitled to for your hip injury.
What Makes a Hip Injury Eligible for Schedule Loss of Use Benefits?
Not every hip injury qualifies for schedule loss of use (SLU) benefits, but several conditions commonly meet the criteria. Permanent impairments such as fractures, dislocations, muscle tears, bursitis, and chronic hip pain are typically eligible. Injuries resulting from falls, overuse, repetitive lifting, or heavy physical labor can all qualify.
Eligibility begins with proving that the injury is work–related. You must have reported it promptly in writing and received appropriate medical care. Proper documentation, including medical reports, incident records, and proof of lost wages, is important to secure your benefits.
How SLU Benefits Are Calculated for Hip Injuries in Brooklyn
SLU awards are calculated using a combination of medical assessment and your earnings history. Your doctor will assign a permanency rating that reflects how much function you have lost in your hip. The Board then multiplies that percentage by the number of weeks assigned to the hip under the SLU schedule to determine your award.
It is important to know that any compensation you received while out of work, whether from your employer or the insurance carrier, will be subtracted from the SLU award. This ensures the award only reflects additional compensation for permanent impairment.
Lost wage benefits are based on your average weekly earnings over the 52 weeks prior to your injury, and benefits may have caps or limitations as they are not guaranteed for life.
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The Steps of an SLU Claim for Hip Injuries
The process begins once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Your treating physician completes a C-4.3 form documenting the permanent impairment of your hip.
The insurance carrier has 75 days to review this report and may order an Independent Medical Examination (IME). While we cannot schedule these IMEs, we can help arrange a permanency evaluation with your approved Workers’ Compensation doctor to ensure your claim is fully supported.
If the insurer’s IME assigns a lower impairment rating than your doctor, your case may go to depositions or written briefs before a Workers’ Compensation judge. The judge then issues a decision, determining your final SLU award.
Common Workplace Hip Injuries in Brooklyn
Workers in physically demanding roles face a higher risk of hip injuries. Examples include:
- MTA conductors and track workers are climbing stairs and uneven surfaces
- Construction laborers lifting heavy materials or climbing scaffolding
- NYCHA maintenance staff and sanitation workers performing repetitive bending or kneeling
- First responders and corrections officers are exposed to sudden impacts or falls
Long-term pain, reduced range of motion, and instability can make SLU benefits necessary for your recovery.
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Handling Denials and Appeals
If your SLU claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice will explain the reasons, and you must submit a written appeal within the given timeframe. You can present additional evidence, such as updated medical records or expert testimony.
A hearing before a Workers’ Compensation judge allows you to explain why your impairment rating should be higher. Working with O’Connor Law increases your chances of successfully navigating this process.
How Our Hip Injury Lawyers in Brooklyn Help Workers
Founded in 2009, O’Connor Law has more than 35 years of combined experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims. Our hip injury lawyers in Brooklyn have helped thousands of New Yorkers recover over $25 million in non-medical benefits annually.
Our team focuses exclusively on Workers’ Compensation cases, ensuring that you receive knowledgeable, compassionate support. Our services include:
- Explaining your rights in plain language, without legal jargon
- Coordinating permanency evaluations with your approved WC doctor
- Tracking your claim through a tech-savvy case management system and mobile app
- Providing bilingual support in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano
- Offering contingency-based representation, meaning we only get paid if you receive money because the judge ruled in your favor.
Understanding the Impact of SLU Awards
SLU awards recognize that a permanent hip injury can affect your career, daily activities, and quality of life. Even if you return to work, limitations like difficulty climbing stairs, bending, or standing for long periods can persist.
SLU compensation provides additional financial support to help manage these lasting challenges. Remember, temporary wage-loss benefits received while recovering are deducted from the SLU award, so the final number reflects compensation for permanent damage only.
Deadlines and Statutes You Should Know
Workers’ Compensation claims generally must be filed within two years of the accident. For repetitive stress or occupational injuries, the clock begins when you knew or should have known that your injury was work-related.
Filing promptly ensures your claim is protected and maximizes the benefits you can receive. Our hip injury lawyer in Brooklyn can help you meet the deadlines.
Medical Care and Costs
All preapproved Workers’ Compensation medical care is fully covered. You should not pay out of pocket for treatment, including surgeries, imaging, or physical therapy.
SLU awards are subject to caps, and benefits are not always lifetime, making careful documentation and timely filing essential.
Contact Our Hip Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn
A hip injury can threaten your independence and financial security. If you are an injured worker in Brooklyn, Schedule Loss of Use benefits may provide meaningful compensation for your permanent hip impairment.
Contact O’Connor Law today for a free consultation. The insurance company has a legal team, why don’t you?
