Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Good day all,

Quick question...I live in Arizona...had my left leg amputated in feb 2008 due to a work accident back in 2006 (car accident)...was finally rated stationary by my orthopedist and the case is moving towards being closed with a scheduled award for loss of leg. I do have a prosthetic leg (c-leg) which of course is very expensive. My question...if I do accept the scheduled award (I believe it is 1800 a month for 47.5 months) will I be eligible for continuing benefits, ie new legs when the time comes? Supposedly they are due to be replaced after 5 or so years. My orthopedist did request continuing care under him as needed, however the leg is not through him, but through a prosthetist...thank you so much for any help!

yes, replacement limbs are covered by workers comp.

but are they after you settle? are you settling with open medical?

i guess that is my question...is that something that i will need to make sure happens? is it not automatic?

every state is different i do not know your state rules but before you sign in the dotted line I will check it out

Accepting the statutory scheduled benefits is not the same as "settling". It would seem that a replacement limb would be appropriate to be covered in a "supportive care" award. Ask your doctor about that issue... did he want to see you once a year or something like that? That's "supportive care" on a closed claim, and can include office visit(s) as well as replacement of things like splints, braces, and artificial legs.