We understand that dealing with a permanent knee injury from work can be a challenging experience. You may be eligible for Schedule Loss of Use and other benefits if you’ve suffered a permanent knee injury that affects your ability to work.
At O’Connor Law, our knee injury lawyers in Brooklyn can help you determine if you qualify for these benefits. If you are a worker who suffered a permanent knee injury, our Brooklyn schedule loss of use lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and options.
What Is a Schedule Loss of Use Award?
A Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award is a one–time payment for a permanent impairment to a limb, such as the knee. Instead of replacing lost wages, it compensates you for the percentage of motion, strength, or stability you have permanently lost.
For example, if you tore your ACL or meniscus and still have stiffness or instability even after surgery, a doctor may rate your loss at a certain percentage. The Workers’ Compensation Board assigns a set number of weeks to the knee and multiplies that by your percentage to calculate the award.
Any payments you received while out on compensation, whether from the insurance carrier or directly from your employer, will be deducted from your total SLU award.
How the SLU Process Works for Knee Injuries
The SLU process follows several steps, each with strict timelines:
- Doctor’s report: Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your treating doctor submits a C-4.3 form with a permanency rating for your knee.
- Insurer review: The insurance carrier has 75 days to review the report and may schedule its own Independent Medical Examination (IME). O’Connor Law does not coordinate these IMEs; the insurance company handles them.
- Comparison of ratings: If the insurance company’s IME gives a lower percentage than your doctor, the case may proceed to depositions or written briefs.
- Judge’s decision: A Workers’ Compensation judge reviews the medical evidence and issues a final ruling on your percentage of loss.
Payments must be issued in accordance with the judge’s decision, but disagreements over ratings can cause delays. This is one reason it helps to have a knowledgeable legal team guiding you.
Brooklyn Knee Injuries Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Common Knee Injuries That May Qualify in Brooklyn
Not every knee injury leads to a permanent loss of use, but many do. Brooklyn workers frequently face conditions such as:
- ACL or MCL tears that leave lasting instability
- Meniscus tears with ongoing pain or limited motion
- Post-surgical stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Chronic swelling or weakness that prevents full bending or extension
Deadlines You Need to Know
New York Workers’ Compensation has a two–year statute of limitations for most injuries. The clock starts on the date of the accident or, for repetitive stress injuries, the date when you knew or should have known that your job caused the problem.
Since the SLU process begins only after you reach MMI, it’s important to report your injury in writing and start your Workers’ Compensation claim early. Waiting can create gaps in coverage and may limit your eventual award. Our knee injury lawyer in Brooklyn can help you understand when you need to file.
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Why SLU Awards Matter for Brooklyn Workers
Knee injuries can have a lifelong impact, even if you return to work. A partial loss of motion might mean you can’t kneel, climb scaffolding, or stand for long periods without pain.
Keep in mind that all temporary disability payments from the insurance carrier or your employer are deducted from the SLU award, so the final amount reflects only the additional compensation for permanent damage.
How Our Knee Injury Lawyers in Brooklyn Support Injured Workers
Workers’ Compensation can feel confusing, especially when you are juggling medical appointments and worrying about your paycheck. O’Connor Law was founded in 2009 and brings more than 35 years of combined experience to every case.
Our team has helped thousands of injured New Yorkers recover over $25 million in non-medical benefits each year. Here’s how we make the process easier:
- Plain–language guidance: We break down complicated legal rules so you always understand your options.
- Inside knowledge: Our founding attorney previously worked for insurance carriers, giving us insight into their strategies.
- Accessible service: We offer free consultations in person (by appointment), by Zoom, or by phone.
- Client tools: Our mobile app and advanced case management system let you track updates in real time.
- Multicultural support: Our woman-owned firm includes bilingual staff who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano.
Our knee injury lawyers in Brooklyn work on a contingency basis, which means we only receive money if we win. Compensation is only awarded if the Workers’ Compensation judge rules in your favor.
Medical Care and Costs
Workers’ Compensation medical care is fully paid by the insurance carrier when preapproved. You should never pay out of pocket for covered treatments, including knee surgeries, physical therapy, or diagnostic imaging.
However, over-the-counter medicines are not covered, and benefits are not guaranteed for life. Awards have caps based on your injury rating and the schedule of weeks set by New York law.
Contact Our Knee Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn
A permanent knee injury can disrupt your career and finances. Our Brooklyn team will walk you through the process and fight for the benefits you’re owed.
Whether you are an MTA track worker dealing with a torn meniscus or a construction laborer coping with post-surgical stiffness, Schedule Loss of Use benefits may provide valuable compensation for your permanent loss.
Contact O’Connor Law today to schedule a free consultation with our Brooklyn team. We can meet in person, by Zoom, or by phone, whatever works best for you.
