A “scheduled loss award” is a workers’ compensation benefit paid to an injured worker for the loss of use of a body part. The most common scheduled loss payments are for the loss of use of a limb, eye, or arm.
The value of a scheduled loss award is determined by state law based on a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. State law dictates the number of weeks for which the award is paid.
A worker who sustains an injury is eligible for a scheduled loss award as well as temporary total disability or permanent partial disability benefits in the majority of states. In certain states, however, an injured worker is only eligible for one type of benefit. Read on to learn about scheduled loss awards in workers’ compensation!
What Are Scheduled Loss Awards In The Workers’ Compensation System?
A “scheduled loss award” is, in general, a benefit paid to an employee who has lost the use of a body part. The most common scheduled loss compensations involve the loss of use of a limb, an eye, or an arm.
State law determines the value of a scheduled loss award, which is proportional to the worker’s average weekly wage. The number of weeks an award is paid is determined by state law. In addition to benefits for temporary total disability or permanent partial disability, an injured worker will typically receive a scheduled loss award.
How Are Scheduled Loss Compensations Determined?
The value of a scheduled loss award is calculated as a percentage of the average weekly wage of the worker. The rate varies depending on which body part is affected. In the majority of states, a worker who loses the use of an arm will receive compensation equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
The number of weeks a scheduled loss award is paid varies by state. The longer a worker has been employed, the greater the number of weeks of benefits they will receive. For example, a worker with at least ten years of employment may receive benefits for up to 260 weeks.
Can A Worker Receive Both Scheduled And Unscheduled Loss Awards?
In certain instances, a worker may be eligible for both a scheduled loss award and an unscheduled loss award. A non-scheduled loss award is paid for the loss of use of a body part not listed in the state’s workers’ compensation statute. For instance, an employee who loses the use of two fingers may be eligible for an unscheduled loss award in addition to their scheduled loss award.
Conclusion
The purpose of scheduled loss awards in workers’ compensation is to compensate an injured worker for the loss of use of a body part. These awards are based on a percentage of the employee’s pre-injury wages. Contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys Gaylord and Nantais at (562) 561-2669 to learn how scheduled loss awards may affect your workers’ compensation case.
