What Is the “Schedule” of Body Parts for Illinois Workers’ Comp?

A workers’ compensation claim might seem simple at first, but your compensation depends on many factors. Various calculations may occur in order to find your total compensation, and these calculations may be based on a “schedule” of body parts. Depending on where you were injured, you may be entitled to recover different levels of compensation. How does this “schedule” work? Can a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago help you get your fair share?

The Schedule of Body Parts is Associated With Permanent Partial Disability

 You may need to refer to the schedule of injured body parts if you are pursuing benefits for permanent partial disability (PPD). These claims represent injuries that cause permanent harm, but without completely stopping a worker from earning income. For example, a worker might experience a factory accident that leaves them with an amputated arm. In this situation, the worker could theoretically still work certain jobs.

What Does the Schedule of Body Parts Represent? 

The schedule of body parts is expressed in weeks. Each body part is associated with a different number of weeks according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Virtually every body part imaginable is included in this list, from thumbs to testicles.

For example, a hand is associated with 205 weeks, while an arm is associated with 253 weeks. An eye is associated with 162 weeks, and so is the loss of both testicles. The loss of a leg is associated with 215 weeks. You can review the entire list with your workers’ comp lawyer in Illinois.

Certain injuries and body parts are missing from this list. If you have suffered an injury that is not mentioned by this schedule, consider meeting with a lawyer to discuss your options. You may need to calculate your injury’s value based on a percentage of 500 weeks.

What Do These Weeks Mean? 

The number of weeks you see in the schedule will factor into your PPD benefits calculations. To determine your PPD benefits, you’ll need to multiply the number of weeks by your average weekly wage. Once you determine your average weekly wage (which could also be complex), you’ll need to take 60% of that value and multiply it by the number of weeks according to the schedule of body parts.

To make things even more complex, you may also need to consider your “impairment rating” while making these calculations. This value represents the severity of your injury, and it is determined by your physicians according to American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines. For example, your impairment rating for a hand injury may not be 100%. It might be 50% or just 20%.

Key Takeaways 

• The schedule of body parts helps determine your total compensation for PPD
• Each body part is associated with a different number of weeks
• Your workers’ comp attorney can help you challenge incorrect calculations

Can an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

If you’re still not quite sure about how this system works, don’t worry. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago can guide you through this entire process. They can also explain difficult concepts, allowing you to proceed with greater confidence. To take the next steps toward a positive workers’ comp claim, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources:

 iwcc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/iwcc/documents/ppdschedule.pdf

ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430