For those injured in the workplace, workers' compensation can stand as a lifeline. This form of employer-provided coverage helps out with everything from medical bills to earning a portion of your salary while recuperating at home. When the worst happens, however, and the work-related injury results in the death of the worker, it is also workers' comp that assists with financial concerns of the the surviving family members. Read on to learn more.

Help for some family members

When it comes to exactly who can benefit from workers' comp death benefits, the question might be asked "Who was financially dependent on the deceased worker?" Keeping mind that workers' comp is a state-run program and that the rules can vary slightly from state to state, in most cases, those who are determined to be financially dependent on the deceased will include:

  1. The spouse of the worker: In some cases, the salary of the wife may be evaluated when determining benefits. The spouse, if qualified, may earn benefits for the remainder of their life or until they remarry.
  2. Children of the deceased: Minor children (under 18 years of age) of the deceased will be eligible until they reach their majority. In some cases, children attending college can continue to get benefits until they are 25. If the child is disabled (either physically or mentally), they are eligible for benefits for life.

Qualifying for help

In general, if the injury would have been covered under a workers' comp policy, the death will qualify as well. While the death doesn't necessarily need to actually happen at work, it must be in some way work-related. If the deceased worker had a preexisting condition that was made worse by work and a death resulted, it may be covered as well.

What to expect in the form of help

The deceased worker's salary is the basis for the calculation of benefits, and in most cases the death benefits are a certain portion or percentage of the salary. In most cases, the total amount of the benefits is divided among all qualified recipients. The way the money is provided can vary; it may be lump sum or it may be paid on a regular basis. In addition to that money, the family can also expect:

  • Burial expenses
  • All remaining medical bills expenses

Talk to a workers' comp attorney or wrongful death lawyer to learn more about benefits from your loved one's work-related death.

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