If you’ve been hurt at work and your doctor says you have permanent damage to a body part—like your arm, leg, shoulder, or knee—you might qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use award. These awards can help replace part of what you’ve lost.
At O’Connor Law, our New York City workers’ compensation lawyers understand how frustrating the claims system can be. You may feel like no one is listening, and ask yourself why it takes so long to get medical care. Our New York City schedule loss of use lawyer knows how the system works and will fight for your SLU award.
We’re everyday lawyers for everyday people, and we have helped thousands of injured workers across the city. To date, we’ve recovered over $25 million in non–medical benefits for clients just like you. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call us for a free consultation.
What Is a Schedule Loss of Use?
A Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) is a type of Workers’ Compensation award. It applies when a doctor decides that part of your body won’t ever fully heal. If your injury is permanent and affects how well you can use your arm, leg, shoulder, hip, or knee, you might qualify to receive a payment based on that loss.
This benefit is not about pain or time missed from work. It’s based on how much function you’ve lost in the injured body part, according to medical guidelines set by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.
Injuries covered by Workers’ Compensation in New York may lead to an SLU award if they result in permanent damage to a scheduled body part. Common injuries that might lead to SLU include:
- Torn rotator cuff or shoulder injuries
- Bicep tears
- Torn ACL or meniscus in the knee
- Elbow, hip, or knee damage
- Permanent damage to your arm or leg after surgery
If your doctor gives you an SLU rating (like “30% loss of use of the arm”), that rating is tied to a set number of weeks of pay under the law. That’s how the award amount is figured out.
How Our Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer in NYC Can Help You
You deserve someone on your side who understands what you’re going through. O’Connor Law knows how insurance companies operate because we’ve been on the other side. We’ll walk with you from start to finish, making sure no detail gets missed.
Our New York City Schedule Loss of Use benefits lawyer will:
- Request all medical records and guide your doctor in using proper SLU language.
- Prepare you for your Independent Medical Exams (IME) and challenge any report that leaves out key facts or downplays your injury.
- Explain every step clearly. Our multilingual staff can help you in English, Spanish, Creole, Tagalog, or Cebuano.
- Represent you in hearings if the insurance company fights your claim.
- Help you access resources, including social workers, if needed.
- Advise your doctor on requesting treatments and pre-approvals.
- Keep you updated through a secure platform and regular communication.
We take on the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
You Deserve Legal Help You Can Trust
At O’Connor Law, we’ve worked in the Workers’ Compensation system for years. We only receive money if you receive money. With over 35 years of combined experience, we know how to fight and win.
We treat our clients like people, not cases. Many of us are working parents, too. We understand what it’s like to juggle work, recovery, and worry about bills. You’ve worked hard for your job. Let us work hard for your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.
New York City Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
How Does Schedule Loss of Use Work in New York?
Here’s a quick look at how the SLU process usually works:
- Your doctor evaluates you after you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement (MMI).” This means your doctor believes your injury has healed as much as it’s going to. You may not be back to normal, but your condition is no longer expected to change much with more treatment.
- The doctor assigns a percentage of permanent loss based on guidelines.
- The insurance company might disagree and send you to an Independent Medical Exam (IME).
- You may need to go to a hearing where a judge decides which medical opinion to follow.
- A Workers’ Compensation judge issues a decision, which could include an SLU award.
We will help you gather strong medical evidence and challenge low ratings that don’t reflect your real condition.
Who Can File a Schedule Loss of Use Claim?
You may qualify if:
- You have a permanent injury to a shoulder, arm, elbow, hip, leg, or knee.
- Your injury happened while doing your job.
- You’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Most of our clients are New York City employees, construction workers, corrections officers, firefighters, first responders, and other people in physical jobs. If your work requires lifting, moving, or being on your feet all day, we know how serious a permanent injury can be. Let our SLU award lawyer in NYC fight for what you deserve.
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Key Deadlines for Filing a Schedule Loss of Use Claim in NYC
You don’t have forever to act. In New York, you generally have:
- Thirty (30) days to report your injury to your employer.
- Two years to file your Workers’ Compensation claim.
However, when it comes to SLU, timing also depends on when your doctor says you’ve reached MMI. The process can take time, especially if the insurance company tries to delay or deny. We’ll make sure you don’t miss a deadline or a detail.
FAQs About Schedule Loss of Use in New York City
Are you wondering how this all works? You’re not alone. Many of our clients come to us with the same questions. Here are a few we often hear and the answers.
What’s the Difference Between SLU and Regular Workers’ Compensation Pay?
SLU is based on permanent damage, not how long you’re out of work. Even if you return to your job, you might still be owed an SLU award.
Can I Get SLU and Still Work?
Yes. Many workers return to their jobs but still have lasting injuries. If your body part doesn’t heal all the way, you could qualify.
What if the Insurance Doctor Gives Me a Lower Rating?
We’ll challenge unfair IME reports and fight to use your treating doctor’s higher rating. These lower ratings are common, but they don’t have to decide your case.
What if the Insurance Company Sends Me to an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?
The insurance company uses the independent medical exam (IME) to get a second opinion about your injury and level of permanent loss. The IME doctor may give a lower rating than your regular doctor, which can reduce your Schedule Loss of Use award.
This is common and something we prepare for. We will help you understand what to expect, challenge unfair IME reports, and present strong medical evidence from your treating doctor to support your claim.
Get Help From Our New York City Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer
If you have a permanent injury from work, don’t wait to get legal advice that can help you start rebuilding your life. The insurance company has a legal team—why don’t you?
Let our team at O’Connor Law explain your options for recovery, push for the rating you deserve, and make sure you don’t get lost in the system. Call our office today for a free consultation—by phone, Zoom, or in person. We’ll meet you where you are.
