Understanding Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Injuries in Arizona Workers’ Compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job in Arizona and are dealing with a permanent partial disability (PPD), you may have heard the terms “scheduled” and “unscheduled” injuries. These classifications are more than just legal jargon—they directly affect how much compensation you may receive and for how long.

Let’s break it down in plain language.

🔹 What Is a Scheduled Injury?

A scheduled injury involves specific body parts listed in Arizona law. These include:

• Fingers

• Hands

• Arms

• Legs

• Feet

• Eyes (vision)

• Ears (hearing)

💡 Why It Matters:

If your injury is “scheduled,” the law assigns a fixed number of weeks of compensation based on the body part and the percentage of impairment. It doesn’t matter whether you can return to work or not—your benefits are based on a formula.

Example: If you have a 10% impairment of your arm, you may receive benefits for 4 months (10% of the 40 months assigned to the arm).

🔸 What Is an Unscheduled Injury?

An unscheduled injury includes:

• Injuries to body parts not listed in the schedule (like your back, shoulder, or hip), or

• A combination of injuries or prior impairments that affect your overall ability to earn a living.

💡 Why It Matters:

Unscheduled injuries are evaluated based on your actual loss of earning capacity. That means the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) will look at:

• Your age and education

• Your work history

• Your physical limitations

• What kind of work you can do now

• How much you can earn after the injury

Example: If you injure your back and can only return to a lower-paying job, your benefits will be based on the difference between your old and new wages.

🔄 Can a Scheduled Injury Become Unscheduled?

Yes. If you had a prior permanent impairment (even from a non-work-related injury), or if your new injury combines with an old one to create a greater disability, your case may be treated as unscheduled. This can open the door to higher or longer-lasting benefits.

🧭 Why This Matters to You

Understanding whether your injury is scheduled or unscheduled helps you:

• Know what kind of benefits to expect

• Prepare for how long those benefits might last

• Decide whether to challenge or appeal a decision

📞 Need Help?

If you’re unsure how your injury is classified or whether you’re receiving the right benefits, we’re here to help. Our team has deep experience with Arizona workers’ compensation law and can guide you through every step of the process.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make sure you’re getting the compensation you deserve.