Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
While rates of fatal workplace accidents have generally decreased in recent years, they remain an all too common occurrence. In 2008, a total of 5,071 American workers suffered fatal accidents or illnesses related to their occupations. Many of these workers left behind family members who depended on their incomes to survive.
To help surviving family members in the wake of a tragic loss, the workers’ compensation system provides benefits to dependent relatives of deceased workers. If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you may be eligible for these benefits. To learn more, call the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 1-800-346-5529.
Benefits for Families of Deceased Workers
Workers’ compensation benefits are usually 70% of the deceased person’s income, up to a maximum amount that is adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Labor. Depending on the circumstances, recipients of these benefits can include:
- The deceased person’s spouse
- Dependent children (under the age of 18, or the age of 23 if full-time students)
- Any other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased person (if they can provide evidence of this dependency)
Death benefits are meant to help surviving relatives meet the basic expenses that deceased workers previously paid for. Family members or estates can also receive repayment for funeral services up to $3,500. In addition, if any of the deceased worker’s children suffer from disabilities, they may qualify for additional benefits.
Contact a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Unfortunately, families sometimes face complicated legal struggles while trying to receive the compensation they deserve. If you need assistance with your workers’ compensation benefits, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 1-800-346-5529.
