If you suffered a work-related injury that left you with lasting limitations, you might be entitled to Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) benefits. At O’Connor Law, our New Rochelle schedule loss of use lawyers help injured workers understand their rights and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under the law.
You don’t need to figure this out on your own. Our New Rochelle Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you with this process. We have over 35 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered over $25 million in non-medical benefits.
What Is a Schedule Loss of Use Claim?
When a workplace injury leaves you with permanent impairment, such as limited movement or loss of a limb, you may qualify for SLU benefits. These claims apply to injuries involving the:
- Arms
- Legs
- Hands
- Feet
- Fingers
- Toes
- Eyesight
- Hearing
Schedule loss of use benefits are awarded based on a predefined schedule set by New York law. This schedule assigns a number of weeks of compensation based on the affected body part and the degree of permanent loss. For instance, a 50% loss of use to your arm means you’ll receive 50% of the scheduled value for that arm.
The challenge is proving your level of permanent impairment and ensuring the insurance company doesn’t undervalue it. Insurance companies have legal teams. You deserve the same support. Our schedule loss of use lawyers in New Rochelle can help you with this process.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Schedule Loss of Use Claim in New Rochelle
A successful schedule loss of use claim depends on accurate medical evidence, correct application of the legal schedule, and strong advocacy. Insurance carriers may try to minimize your award by questioning the extent of your injury or misapplying the impairment guidelines.
That’s where we come in. At O’Connor Law, we:
- Coordinate permanency evaluations with your Workers’ Compensation physician
- Dispute low settlement offers and push for a fair resolution
- Handle communication with the insurance company so you can focus on healing
New Rochelle Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Factors That Impact Your Schedule Loss of Use Compensation in New Rochelle
Not every injury results in the same payout. Several key factors influence how much compensation you may receive through an SLU claim. This includes:
- Severity of permanent impairment: Your doctor will assess how much function you’ve lost in the injured body part, typically expressed as a percentage.
- Body part injured: The scheduled number of weeks varies by body part. For example, an arm is valued differently from a hand or leg.
- Date of maximum medical improvement (MMI): You must reach MMI, meaning your condition is stable, before an SLU award can be finalized.
- Your wages at the time of injury: Your compensation is based in part on your average weekly wage before the accident.
If you receive compensation from your employer or the insurance company, these payments will be deducted from your total award. Each of these factors can impact the total value of your case.
Having a schedule loss of use lawyer in New Rochelle who understands how they interact helps ensure nothing gets overlooked.
The Role of Medical Documentation
When you’re pursuing Schedule Loss of Use benefits, having strong medical documentation can make or break your claim. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s the proof that shows how your injury permanently affects your ability to work and live your life. Without clear records, insurance companies might undervalue or even deny the compensation you need.
That’s why understanding how medical documentation works in your claim is important. It’s not enough to have treatment notes; you need detailed, precise reports that follow the legal guidelines. Let’s break down why this matters and how we help.
Why Medical Records Matter
Medical records are the backbone of your Schedule Loss of Use claim. They provide the evidence that your injury has caused permanent damage and show exactly how much function you’ve lost in the affected body part.
Without this evidence, insurance companies have an easy reason to dispute your claim or offer less than you deserve. Good medical records help level the playing field and support your right to full benefits.
Who Prepares Your Medical Report?
Your medical report is typically prepared by your treating doctor and/or an independent medical examiner (IME). These professionals evaluate your injury and measure how much permanent loss you’ve sustained, based on New York’s Workers’ Compensation Impairment Guidelines.
The report needs to be detailed and follow specific criteria to be valid. It’s not just a casual description; it’s a legal document that influences how much compensation you’ll get.
Risks of Vague or Incomplete Reports
If your medical report is unclear or doesn’t include all the required details, the insurance company will likely challenge it. They may say your injury isn’t as severe as you claim or that it doesn’t meet the guidelines for schedule loss of use benefits.
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Our Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer in New Rochelle Can Maximize Your Benefits
While you focus on recovery, we focus on results. Workers who try to handle SLU claims alone often miss key opportunities to improve compensation amounts. You may accept a low offer, fail to gather all relevant evidence, or misunderstand the impairment schedule. With our help, you can:
- Ensure your percentage of loss is calculated fairly
- Dispute improper IME results or low estimates from the insurance company
- Explore whether you qualify for other benefits, like ongoing wage replacement
We’ve handled thousands of New York workers’ compensation claims, and we bring that experience to every client we represent.
Contact Our Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer in New Rochelle
Dealing with a permanent injury is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to take on the legal system by yourself. Whether you’re just starting the process or have already received an SLU offer that doesn’t seem fair, our New Rochelle schedule loss of use lawyers can help.
We’ll listen, explain your options in plain language, and fight for the outcome you need. At O’Connor Law, we’re committed to helping injured workers move forward with confidence.
Call us today for a free consultation.
