Filing a Claim for a Death Caused by a Work-Related Incident

It is an unfortunate fact that severe injury and death are occupational hazards in some industries. Equipment accidents, chemical exposure, and vehicle collisions are work-related conditions that can result in death. In these cases, the victim’s family members may be able to recover benefits through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits?

Workers’ compensation death benefits are meant to compensate the people who relied on the income of the deceased. These benefits can be allocated in cases of fatal work accidents, as well as in some cases in which an occupational illness eventually results in death, or if work conditions aggravate a pre-existing condition and cause death.

In general, the people who are most affected by such incidents — and are therefore eligible for benefits — include immediate family members. Spouses and children are the primary parties who are eligible for work-related death benefits. Other family members may be eligible for benefits in some cases, but will have to prove that they were supported by the victim. In rare cases, someone who is not related to the deceased could have been dependent on them and would qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

What Kind of Benefits are Included in Workers’ Compensation Death Settlements?

The damages that are awarded in work-related death claims compensate dependents for the expenses that arose because of the death, such as funeral and burial costs, and medical bills that may have been incurred before the victim passed away.

The timeline of benefits will depend on the circumstances of the death, the settlement agreement, and state laws. An agreement may outline that benefits will stop at a certain point in time or once a certain amount is received. Other settlements may allow for lifetime benefits for spouses, or benefits until the age of 18 for children.

At Humphrey & Associates, we are dedicated to helping the victims of work accidents recover. We understand the severe emotional and financial impact of an on-the-job injury or death, and are available to provide support during this time. Schedule a free consultation with our attorney to discuss your rights.