When an injury leaves you with permanent damage to a body part, you may be entitled to a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award, which may be paid as a lump sum or in installments.
O’Connor Law’s Schedule Loss of Use lawyer in Port Chester helps injured workers understand what they’re owed and pursue the full value of that award.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and a doctor has found permanent impairment, you shouldn’t have to figure out the claims process alone. Speak with a Port Chester Workers’ Compensation lawyer today to learn how we can help you with your claim.
What Is a Schedule Loss of Use Award?
A Schedule Loss of Use award is a type of workers’ compensation benefit paid to workers who have a permanent loss of use of a specific body part.
New York law has a set list, or “schedule,” of body parts covered under this benefit. If your injury affects one of those parts, you may qualify for an SLU award even if you returned to work.
The award is calculated using three factors: the percentage of loss found by a doctor, the number of weeks assigned to that body part under New York law, and your average weekly wage. The final number can vary widely depending on how each factor is measured and reported.
Insurance carriers have their own doctors and their own legal teams working to minimize what you receive. Our Schedule Loss of Use attorney in Port Chester can make sure your injury is properly assessed, and your award reflects your real loss.
Body Parts Covered Under New York’s Schedule
Not every injury qualifies for an SLU award. New York law covers a defined list of body parts. Common injury types our attorneys see for SLU awards include:
- Torn rotator cuffs (shoulder injuries)
- ACL or meniscus tears in the knee
- Arm, hand, leg, and orthopedic injuries
- Elbow, hip, and knee injuries
The percentage of loss assigned to your injury is one of the most disputed parts of the process. Insurance carriers often send injured workers to their own doctors, who may rate your impairment lower than it actually is.
We can help you obtain a supporting medical opinion and challenge a rating that does not reflect your condition.
Port Chester Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
How the Claims Process Works
After your treating doctor determines that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), they will assess your level of permanent impairment. This assessment becomes the basis for your SLU claim. The Workers’ Compensation Board reviews the medical evidence and issues a determination.
That process sounds straightforward, but it rarely is. Disputes over medical ratings, missed deadlines, and incomplete paperwork can delay or reduce your award. Getting legal help early in the process can protect your claim from the start.
You do not need to wait until your case is fully closed to discuss your options. We can review where you are in the process and explain what steps may be available to you.
Common Reasons SLU Claims Are Disputed
Insurance companies dispute Schedule Loss of Use claims regularly. Understanding why can help you prepare. Some of the most frequent reasons for a dispute include:
- A low impairment rating from an insurance-appointed doctor
- A disagreement about whether MMI has been reached
- Missing or incomplete medical documentation
- A claim that the injury was pre-existing or unrelated to work
- Delays in filing or responding to board requests
Each of these issues can be addressed with the right documentation and legal support. We review the full record of your case, identify where the dispute is coming from, and work to resolve it in your favor.
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O’Connor Law Represents Port Chester Workers
We have been representing injured workers in New York since 2009. Our founding attorney spent years working on the side of insurance before opening this firm. That background gives us a clear view of how carriers approach these claims and where they push back.
Our team brings 35 years of combined experience in workers’ compensation law. We are bilingual, with staff who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano, so language is never a barrier to getting help. We also offer a mobile app that lets you check on your case anytime, and a dedicated social worker on staff to help with needs beyond the legal process.
O’Connor Law is woman-owned and built around one idea: “Everyday lawyers for everyday people.” The insurance company has a legal team. You should, too.
Talk to a Schedule Loss of Use Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know has suffered a permanent injury at work, you may have more options than you realize. A Schedule Loss of Use claim could mean a significant payment that reflects your real loss, and you shouldn’t have to pursue it without support.
Contact O’Connor Law today to schedule a free consultation with a Schedule Loss of Use attorney in Port Chester. We know how these claims work from both sides, and we’ll help you get access to your benefits.
