Workplace Injury always happen every year, at least 150 people die during their employment in America. You might already know about workers’ rights regarding workplace injuries and workers’ comp benefits. However, if you are the surviving dependent of the deceased person, you may be confused about what to do.
If you are questioning whether you have any rights, the answer is yes. The surviving family members of the deceased workplace injury can get the workers’ comp benefits, but they have to fulfill the eligibility. Reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your case.
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Was Your Loved One Hurt On The Job?
Workers’ compensation benefits are available for people who get workplace injury during their job or develop an occupational disease over time. For example, if your loved one worked at a chemical factory and was exposed to toxic substances due to which they developed cancer, they may be eligible for the benefits.
However, workers’ comp does not benefit the people who cause the workplace injury themselves. For example, if your loved one was injured because of a fight they started on their own, or because they did not use protective equipment responsibly, they won’t get the benefits.
Can The Surviving Family Members Of The Deceased Get The Workplace Injury Benefits?
If your family member has died due to a workplace injury, you may be wondering whether you can benefit from their workers’ comp insurance. If the person’s medical records show that the cause of death was related to something that happened at the workplace, you can receive the benefits. However, not every family member can claim these benefits.
To be eligible, you must have been financially dependent on the deceased worker. If you can earn for yourself, you won’t get the benefits. The following people could file a claim if they were totally or partially dependent on the worker.
Widow or widower
Parents
Next of kin
Children
Grandparents or grandchildren
If the child is disabled and is a full-time student over the age of 18, they may receive benefits for longer.
What qualifies as an injury on duty?
DEFINITION OF INJURY ON DUTY /OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE (IOD /OD) An unexpected occurrence, at a specific date, time and place and arising out of and in the course of the employee's employment, resulting in personal injury or death, or when an occupational disease is contracted due to exposure at the workplace.
What is injury in the workplace?
Workplace injuries are injuries or illnesses that occur in relation to an employee's job. Most states narrow the definition of a workplace injury to one that “arises out of and in the course of employment” to prevent employees from pursuing compensation for injuries not directly caused by the job.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
Since every case is different, it can be difficult to pinpoint the amount you will receive exactly. However, an attorney can analyze your case and help you arrive at an estimation. Here are the types of damages you can receive:
Cash payment
A one-time payment made to the deceased’s family.
Funeral and burial expenses
The deceased family will be reimbursed for the funeral and burial expenses. The law states that the amount should not exceed 200% of the average monthly wage in the state.
Survivor benefits
