As discussed in an earlier blog regarding workers’ compensation payments, Indiana provides two forms of Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI) benefits referred to as scheduled loss benefits and unscheduled loss benefits. If you were recently injured at work, and as a result have suffered a permanent disability, these benefits might play a vital role in your future.
Continue reading to learn more about scheduled and unscheduled loss benefits, as well as, how to get a free consultation to discuss your rights to compensation after a workplace injury.
Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI)
Permanent partial impairment benefits are paid in addition to 125 weeks of total temporary disability (TTD) benefits, however, total temporary disability benefits that are paid over 125 weeks are deducted from permanent partial impairment payments. Furthermore, such benefits are not granted until a patient reaches maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement means the patient has healed as much as possible, and no further treatment will improve their condition.
Scheduled Loss Benefits
Scheduled loss benefits are granted to workers who are subjected to amputation or lose full function of a body part. These benefits are not based on weekly earnings, but rather, each scheduled injury is assigned a “degree” that represents a monetary value to which a person is entitled. Indiana publishes a yearly schedule of degrees for impairment on the Workers’ Compensation Board website. As of 2017, the Indiana schedule of degrees for impairment is the following:
➤ Between 1 and 10 Degrees = $1,750 per degree
➤ Between 11 and 35 Degrees = $1,952 per degree
➤ Between 36 and 50 Degrees = $3,186 per degree
➤ 51 Degrees and Above = $4,060 per degree
The schedule determines how much a victim receives in benefits depending on the body part affected. Common body parts listed on Indiana’s schedule include arms, legs, hands, fingers, thumbs, feet, toes, and ears. Thumbs, for instance, are assigned a 12 degree value. Arms below the elbow are set at 40 degrees, while arms above the elbows are set at 50 degrees. Hands are also 40 degrees, and legs above the knee joint are 45 degrees. To see the full list of scheduled body parts for Indiana, review the state’s workers’ compensation laws in Indiana Code Ann. § 22-3-3-10.
All scheduled loss benefits are paid according to the degree of loss as well. For example, if a doctor determines that a patient has lost 50% use of their arm, the state assigns a 40 degree value, but it would be reduced to 20 degrees to accommodate the ratio.
Unscheduled Loss Benefits
When a worker suffers amputation or loss of function of a body part that is not listed on Indiana’s schedule, it might fall under unscheduled loss benefits. These benefits are calculated based on the extent of loss of function in the body part. Once a patient achieves maximum medical improvement, their physician will assess their level of long-lasting disability, and then assign an actual degree of impairment. So, if your doctor determines that you have lost 10% use of an unlisted body part, this would be assigned a 10 degree value on Indiana’s schedule, which would entitle you to roughly $17,500.
Discuss Your Indiana Workplace Injury Benefits Today
Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indianapolis workers compensation attorney who can determine the best strategies for your Indiana workplace injury case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.
