A SLU, or Schedule Loss of Use award, is a specific type of cash benefit designed to compensate individuals for the loss of earning power that results from a permanent functional impairment of a body part due to an on-the-job injury.
Understanding Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) Awards
When an individual sustains an injury while performing their work duties, and that injury leads to a lasting reduction in the function of a specific body part, they may be eligible for a Schedule Loss of Use award. This award is not for ongoing wage replacement but rather a one-time or structured payment intended to address the long-term impact on the individual's ability to earn a living due to the specific impairment.
Key aspects of a SLU award include:
- Cash Benefit: It is a monetary payment provided to the injured worker.
- Loss of Earning Power: The primary purpose is to address the financial impact of reduced earning potential, not just pain and suffering.
- Permanent Functional Impairment: This refers to a lasting limitation in the use or function of a body part, determined by medical assessment.
- Specific Body Part: The award is calculated based on a schedule that assigns values to different body parts and degrees of impairment (e.g., an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, or toe).
- On-the-Job Injury: Eligibility requires that the impairment directly resulted from an injury sustained during employment.
For example, if a worker injures their hand in an accident at work, and after maximum medical improvement, they are left with a permanent loss of motion in their fingers, this functional impairment could lead to a SLU award. The amount would be determined by the severity of the impairment to the hand, as per established guidelines.
Characteristics of a SLU Award
To further clarify, here's a breakdown of the core characteristics of a Schedule Loss of Use award:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Benefit | Cash benefit |
| Purpose | Compensation for loss of earning power |
| Trigger | Permanent functional impairment of a specific body part |
| Cause | Result of an on-the-job injury |
| Calculation Basis | Based on a schedule assigning values to body parts and impairment degrees |
This benefit aims to provide a structured financial remedy for workers who face long-term physical limitations impacting their vocational capabilities following a workplace injury.
