What Is a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) and How Is It Calculated in New York Workers’ Comp?

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Cindy Cordova

Legal Writer at The Orlow Firm | Website

Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.

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• June 24, 2025

What Is a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) in New York Workers’ Compensation?

How Does a Schedule Loss of Use Claim Work in NYC?

A Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) claim is part of the New York workers’ compensation system. It applies when a worker suffers permanent loss of function in a body part after a work-related injury. In New York City, the process of filing a SLU claim involves several key steps and can take time depending on your case.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how a SLU claim works in NYC:

1. Injury and Initial Treatment: First, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Get medical treatment right away. Make sure the doctor knows the injury happened at work.
2. Medical Recovery: You must complete most or all of your treatment before a SLU determination can be made. A SLU award is only given after your condition has become “medically stable.” This means doctors do not expect further improvement.
3. Doctor Evaluation: Your treating doctor or an independent medical examiner (IME) will evaluate your condition. They will determine if the injury led to permanent loss of use in the affected body part. This is based on guidelines set by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
4. Filing the Medical Report: The doctor submits a physician’s report, which includes a “SLU opinion.” This outlines what percentage of permanent damage you have to the injured body part.
5. Insurance Review: The workers’ compensation insurance company also reviews the medical reports. They may accept the findings or request their own IME for a second opinion.
6. Negotiation or Hearing: If both sides agree on the SLU percentage, the insurance carrier will offer a settlement. If there is a disagreement, the Workers’ Compensation Board may hold a hearing to decide the award.
7. Payout: Once the final SLU percentage is decided, the compensation is calculated based on a schedule of weeks assigned to each body part. You may receive the payment in a lump sum or in weekly installments.

For example, if a worker in NYC loses 25% use of a shoulder, the award would be based on a portion of the total 300 weeks allowed for a full shoulder loss under New York’s schedule. That means the worker could receive benefits equal to 25% of 300 weeks, multiplied by their weekly compensation rate.

It’s important to remember that SLU claims only apply to specific body parts that are listed under state law. Also, the amount of compensation depends on the extent of your permanent injury and your average weekly wages before the accident.

Filing a SLU claim in New York City can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies or medical disagreements. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can help ensure your claim is handled fairly. For help with your case, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398.

Which Body Parts Qualify for Schedule Loss of Use in New York?

Under New York Workers’ Compensation law, certain body parts are eligible for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award. An SLU happens when a worker suffers permanent injury to a specific body part after a work-related accident or illness.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has a set list of body parts that qualify for SLU benefits. These are mostly limbs and joints that are commonly injured on the job. If the injury to that body part results in a permanent loss of function, the injured worker may be entitled to a cash award.

Body parts that may qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use award in New York include:

• Arms: Includes the entire arm from the shoulder to the hand.
• Legs: Covers the full leg, including the thigh, knee, and foot.
• Hands: Includes all structures below the wrist, including fingers.
• Feet: Covers the area below the ankle, including toes.
• Shoulders: Permanent loss of motion or strength may qualify.
• Hips: Often involved in workplace slip-and-fall injuries.
• Elbows: May qualify if there’s limited range of motion or chronic pain.
• Knees: Common injury sites, especially in physical labor jobs.
• Wrists: May be eligible if function is permanently reduced.
• Ankles: Must show continued pain, stiffness, or instability.
• Fingers and Toes: Even partial loss of motion or amputation can qualify.
• Eyes: Includes partial or total vision loss in one or both eyes.
• Hearing: Permanent loss in one or both ears may qualify, depending on severity.

Each body part has a set number of weeks assigned by the Workers’ Compensation Board. This number represents how many weeks of compensation you can receive if that body part is completely disabled. If your injury results in partial loss, you may receive a percentage of the total allowed weeks.

For example, if you suffer a 50% loss of use of your arm, and the law allows up to 312 weeks for total arm loss, your award might be half of that – or 156 weeks of benefits.

It’s important to note that not all permanent injuries will qualify for an SLU. Internal organs, the brain, or mental impairments are not eligible under SLU rules. Those fall under different parts of the workers’ compensation system.

If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies, or how much your award might be, it can help to speak with a lawyer who understands workers’ compensation in New York City. For assistance, call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 to discuss your situation.

How Is the SLU Award Calculated in New York?

In New York workers’ compensation, a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award is a one-time payment for permanent loss of function in certain body parts. The amount of your SLU award depends on several key factors, and it is calculated using formulas set by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.

Here’s a basic breakdown of how the SLU award is calculated:

1. Your average weekly wage : This is usually based on your earnings from the year before your injury.
2. Your compensation rate : You typically receive two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by the state.
3. The type of body part injured : New York uses a schedule that assigns a set number of weeks for each body part, such as 312 weeks for an arm or 288 weeks for a leg.
4. Percentage of loss : A medical provider evaluates your injury and gives a percentage rating showing how much use of the body part you’ve permanently lost.

To calculate your award, multiply the percentage of loss by the number of weeks for that body part. Then multiply that number by your compensation rate. That gives you the total value of your SLU award.

Here’s a simple example using an injury in New York City:

• A worker injures their right arm in a construction accident in Queens.
• The arm has a schedule of 312 weeks.
• The doctor finds a 30% permanent loss of use of the arm.
• That means 30% of 312 weeks = 93.6 weeks.
• If their average weekly wage was $900, their compensation rate would be $600/week.
• So 93.6 weeks x $600 = $56,160 SLU award.

It’s important to know that SLU awards are based on permanent loss, not just pain or temporary injury. You must reach what’s called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before your SLU can be calculated. This means your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further.

Also, if you’ve already received payments for lost time at work, those amounts may reduce your final SLU award.

The process can feel confusing, especially when medical opinions vary. The Workers’ Compensation Board may review several medical reports to decide on a fair percentage of loss. If you disagree with the doctor’s opinion or the insurer’s offer, you have the right to ask for a hearing.

If you have questions about how your SLU is being calculated, or if you believe your award is too low, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398. We can help you understand your rights and work toward getting the full amount you may be owed.

When Can You Receive a Schedule Loss of Use Award in NYC?

In New York City, you may be eligible to receive a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award once your work-related injury has reached what doctors call maximum medical improvement, or MMI. This means your condition has healed as much as it’s going to, even if you still have lasting problems.

You cannot get an SLU award right after getting injured. Your doctor or a workers’ compensation doctor must first examine you and decide that your medical condition is unlikely to improve further with more treatment. This usually happens several months after the injury.

These are the main steps in the process:

1. You reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): Your treating doctor or an independent medical examiner (IME) determines that your recovery has stalled and you won’t improve much more.
2. Your doctor gives you a medical report: The report details how much permanent loss of function you have in the injured body part. This is given as a percentage, like 25% loss of use of an arm.
3. The Workers’ Compensation Board reviews the report: They compare the doctor’s opinion to official state guidelines to decide on your SLU award.

Example: Let’s say a construction worker in Brooklyn injures his hand in a machinery accident. Months later, after surgery and physical therapy, the doctor says he has a 30% permanent loss of use of his hand. At this point, the worker might qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use award based on that percentage, his average weekly wage, and the value the state assigns to a hand injury.

Keep in mind, if you return to work or are getting other disability payments, that won’t stop you from receiving an SLU award. This type of benefit is meant to compensate you for the permanent loss of function, not missed income.

If you or someone you care about is unsure when to pursue an SLU award after a workplace injury in NYC, speaking with a qualified workers’ comp attorney can help. Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for guidance on your specific situation.

What’s the Difference Between SLU and Other Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) is just one part of New York’s workers’ compensation system. It’s different from other benefits because it focuses on permanent damage to certain body parts—like arms, legs, or hands—even after you’ve returned to work.

Here’s how SLU differs from other types of workers’ comp benefits in New York:

• SLU is based on permanent loss: SLU benefits are awarded when you lose some or all function in a specific body part. It does not matter if you can return to your job. The key is how much use you have lost permanently, not whether you’re still working.
• Other benefits focus on your ability to work: Temporary benefits, like temporary total or partial disability, are paid when your injury keeps you from working for a period of time. These are about lost wages while you recover. SLU is about the lasting physical damage.
• SLU involves a medical evaluation: You need a doctor’s report saying you have a permanent loss of function in a listed body part. This report will include a percentage of loss, like 30% use lost in your arm. That’s used to calculate your SLU award.
• SLU is a one-time award: SLU benefits are often paid in a lump sum or in scheduled payments. Once completed, they do not continue unless there is a valid reason to adjust.
• Other workers’ comp benefits are ongoing: Temporary disability benefits can last until you return to work or reach maximum recovery. Permanent total disability benefits, in rare cases, can last for life if you cannot return to any type of work.

For example, a bus driver in NYC who suffers a broken arm and can’t work for three months may get temporary disability benefits during recovery. But if the arm never fully heals and he permanently loses 50% of its function, he may also be eligible for an SLU award based on that permanent loss.

It’s also important to know that SLU only applies to certain body parts listed in New York’s workers’ comp guidelines. If your injury is to your spine, heart, or brain, you might qualify for a different type of benefit called a non-schedule award, which is based on loss of wage-earning capacity instead of a set schedule.

Understanding whether you qualify for SLU, temporary benefits, or both can be confusing. Having the right guidance can make a big difference. If you have questions, call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 to speak with a compassionate legal team familiar with workers’ comp claims in NYC.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Schedule Loss of Use Award in NYC?

The amount of time it takes to receive a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award in New York City depends on several factors. While there is no exact timeline, most cases follow a process that can take several months to over a year. The key step is reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI), which means your doctor believes your condition is as good as it’s going to get with treatment.

Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline:

1. Reaching MMI: This can take weeks or months depending on your injury. You must reach MMI before an SLU evaluation can be done.
2. SLU Evaluation: Once you’re at MMI, your doctor will assess the permanent damage to the injured body part. They’ll give an opinion on the percentage of loss based on New York workers’ comp guidelines.
3. Filing the SLU Report: Your doctor will file a medical report with the Workers’ Compensation Board. This can take a few weeks, especially if more than one doctor provides an opinion.
4. Review and Disputes: Your employer’s insurance company may agree or disagree with the doctor’s opinion. If both sides agree, the case moves forward more quickly. If there is a dispute, a hearing may be scheduled. This step can cause delays.
5. Workers’ Compensation Hearing (if needed): If there’s disagreement over the SLU rating, a judge may be brought in to decide the percentage of loss and the award. Scheduling the hearing and receiving a decision may take additional time.
6. Payment of Award: After a final decision or agreement is reached, the insurance company usually begins paying the award according to a set schedule. Initial payments might start within a few weeks, depending on processing time.

Important things that may affect how long it takes:

• The time it takes for your injury to heal enough to reach MMI.
• The complexity of your injury and whether multiple doctors are involved.
• If there are disagreements between medical opinions or with the insurance company.
• How busy the Workers’ Compensation Board is at the time of your case.

Some Schedule Loss of Use cases are resolved in just a few months, especially if there are no major disputes. Other cases that involve hearings or appeals can take well over a year. Having legal guidance may help move the process along and make sure all required steps are handled properly.

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury in New York City and believe you may qualify for an SLU award, you don’t have to face the claims process alone. For help understanding your rights and navigating the system, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.

Common Injuries That May Lead to a Schedule Loss of Use in NYC

In New York City, certain physical injuries may qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award through the workers’ compensation system. These injuries involve permanent damage to specific body parts. After treatment and recovery, if a doctor finds that you have lost some permanent use of a body part, you may be eligible for an SLU award.

Here are some common injuries that may lead to Schedule Loss of Use:

• Fractures: A broken bone in the arm, leg, hand, or foot can cause lasting loss of strength, motion, or function. Even if the bone heals, you may not recover full use.
• Severe Sprains or Torn Ligaments: A torn ligament in the knee, ankle, shoulder, or wrist can result in long-term damage and reduced movement.
• Dislocations: If a joint is forced out of place—such as in the elbow or shoulder—it may never return to full function, even after treatment.
• Nerve Damage: Injuries to nerves in the arms or legs can result in numbness, weakness, or a loss of fine motor skills. This damage may be permanent.
• Amputations: The loss of a finger, toe, hand, foot, or limb clearly leads to a permanent loss of use and usually qualifies for an SLU award.
• Tendon Injuries: Tendons connect muscle to bone. A torn tendon in the hand, arm, or knee can create lasting problems with movement or strength.

The injured body parts must be on New York’s official schedule of areas covered under SLU. These include:

• Arms
• Legs
• Hands
• Feet
• Fingers and toes
• Eyesight and hearing

For example, a construction worker in Brooklyn who suffers a wrist fracture with lasting stiffness may qualify for an SLU award. A delivery driver in Queens who injures a knee that won’t bend fully after healing might also be eligible.

To qualify, your treating doctor or an independent medical examiner (IME) must first confirm the injury is permanent and explain how much use has been lost. This information is key to calculating your SLU award.

If you think your work injury has caused lasting damage to an arm, leg, or another covered body part, it’s important to understand your rights under New York workers’ compensation laws. For help with a potential SLU claim, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free and confidential consultation.

How Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help With Your SLU Claim in NYC?

Filing a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) claim in New York can be confusing and stressful, especially after a serious injury. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect your legal rights. If you’ve been injured on the job in New York City, here are ways an attorney can help with your SLU claim:

• Make Sure You Qualify: Not every injury qualifies for an SLU award. A workers’ comp lawyer can help determine whether your injury meets the criteria set by New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
• Gather Medical Evidence: Your doctor must provide a report that clearly states your level of permanent loss. A lawyer can help make sure the report includes the right details and uses the correct ratings based on state guidelines.
• Deal With Insurance Companies: Insurance carriers may delay or deny SLU claims. A lawyer steps in to handle communications, file paperwork, and push back against any unfair decisions.
• Negotiate Your Settlement: SLU awards are based on set percentages, but there’s still room to negotiate. An attorney understands the SLU schedule and how to use it to help you seek a fair outcome.
• Estimate the Right Award Amount: Lawyers can calculate your possible award based on the body part affected, your level of loss, and your average weekly wage. This helps make sure you’re not being underpaid.
• Handle Appeals If Needed: If your SLU award is denied or too low, a workers’ comp lawyer can help you file an appeal and represent you at hearings.

For example, if you suffered a partial loss of use in your arm while working at a construction site in Brooklyn, a lawyer can help prove how much function you’ve lost. They can also ensure your case meets all the legal and medical requirements for an SLU award.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies may try to close your case quickly. A lawyer can help review all your options so you make the best choice for your future.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a workplace injury in New York City and considering a Schedule Loss of Use claim, speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer can provide clarity and peace of mind. For compassionate support and legal help, contact The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schedule Loss of Use in New York

• What is a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU)? A Schedule Loss of Use is a workers’ compensation benefit. It’s an award given when a worker loses function in a body part due to a job-related injury. The loss can be permanent, even if the body part is not amputated. The benefit is meant to compensate for that permanent loss.
• Which body parts qualify for an SLU? In New York, only some body parts are eligible. These include arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, and hearing. You cannot get an SLU award for the back, neck, or internal organs, but other benefits may be available for those.
• Do I need to be fully healed before filing an SLU claim? Yes. You can only file when your injury has reached “maximum medical improvement” (MMI). This means your condition is stable and not expected to change much, even with more treatment. A doctor will make this determination.
• How is the SLU percentage determined? A doctor will examine you and rate the loss as a percentage based on New York’s Workers’ Compensation Guidelines. For example, a 25% loss of use of an arm would mean you lost one-quarter of your arm’s function. The percentage helps calculate how much money you receive.
• Will an SLU award affect my other workers’ comp benefits? It might. If you return to work earning less than before, you may still qualify for lost wage benefits. But if you’re fully back to work with no loss in earnings, the SLU award may be the only payment you receive.
• Can I still get medical treatment after an SLU award? Yes. Even after receiving an SLU payment, you can still get future medical care related to the injury. Workers’ compensation covers necessary treatment for as long as your condition needs it.
• Can I disagree with the doctor’s SLU rating? Yes. If you don’t agree with the medical opinion or amount offered, you have options. You can request a second opinion, negotiate a settlement, or take the case to a hearing. A lawyer can help with this process.
• How long does it take to receive an SLU award in NYC? It can vary. Once you reach MMI and a medical report is filed, it still takes time for claims to be reviewed, and sometimes disputes arise. Having legal help may speed up the process and reduce delays.
• Do I need a lawyer for an SLU claim? It’s not required, but it can help. SLU claims involve medical reports, legal deadlines, and negotiations. A workers’ comp lawyer can guide you, protect your rights, and seek the best possible outcome.

If you have more questions or need help with a workers’ comp claim in New York City, call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398. We’re here to listen and help you understand your options.

Contact The Orlow Firm for Help With Your NYC Schedule Loss of Use Claim

If you’ve suffered a permanent injury to a limb or body part while working in New York City, you may be eligible for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award through the workers’ compensation system. These types of claims can be confusing, and the process often involves detailed medical reports and legal documents. That’s why it’s important to have legal guidance you can trust.

At The Orlow Firm, we help injured workers throughout NYC understand their rights under New York workers’ comp law. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages, permanent damage to a body part, or confusing paperwork, our team is here to provide clear answers and personal attention.

Here’s how The Orlow Firm can help with your SLU claim:

• Review your case: We’ll examine your injury, medical records, and workers’ comp details to determine if you qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use award.
• Help gather medical evidence: The SLU award is based on your permanent loss of function. We can help you get the correct evaluations from your doctor or schedule an independent medical exam if needed.
• Calculate your benefits: We’ll help estimate what your SLU benefit may be using the New York workers’ compensation schedule and your level of disability.
• Handle paperwork and filing: We take care of submitting forms, dealing with insurance companies, and responding to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
• Represent you in hearings: If there’s a dispute about your award, we’ll represent you at any workers’ comp hearings and fight for your fair compensation.

New York City workers face many risks on the job, whether in construction, healthcare, transportation, or other industries. If you suffer a permanent injury at work, you shouldn’t have to go through the SLU process alone.

Contact The Orlow Firm today at (646) 647-3398 to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney about your Schedule Loss of Use claim. Your consultation is free and confidential.

The Following People Contributed to This Page

Cindy Cordova

Legal Writer at The Orlow Firm | Website

Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.

Read More