Every profession has its own lingo – words and phrases that may not make sense to the world at large. One of those expressions in the workers’ compensation universe is “scheduled member.”
A scheduled member injury occurs when an employee loses the use of a body part due to amputation or permanent injury.
The remedies for such a loss are specific and limited by workers’ compensation laws. The benefit for loss of a body part is two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage (subject to maximum and minimum weekly benefits) multiplied by a set number of weeks.
So, for example, if an employee in Nebraska who earned $1,000 per week lost the use of his or her thumb, the calculated payment would be $1000. x .6667 = $666.70 x 60 = $40,002. This payment would be in addition to any other benefits due, such as medical expenses.
Following are examples of weeks of scheduled member compensation in Nebraska and Iowa:
| Body Part | Number of weeks in Nebraska | Number of weeks in Iowa |
| Thumb | 60 weeks | 60 weeks |
| Index finger | 35 weeks | 35 weeks |
| Second finger | 30 weeks | 30 weeks |
| Third finger | 20 weeks | 25 weeks |
| Little finger | 16 weeks | 20 weeks |
| Big toe | 30 weeks | 40 weeks |
| Toes other than big toe | 10 weeks | 15 weeks |
| Hand | 175 weeks | 190 weeks |
| Arm | 225 weeks | 250 weeks |
| Foot | 150 weeks | 150 weeks |
| Leg | 215 weeks | 220 weeks |
| Eye | 125 weeks | 140 weeks |
| Hearing in one ear | 50 weeks | 50 weeks |
The permanent loss of two or more body parts is sometimes considered a whole body injury.
If you have suffered an injury that resulted in permanent loss of a body part, call Putnam Law to ensure your right to compensation.
