Workers' compensation is mostly known for providing benefits to hurt workers. However, these insurers also provide death benefits to certain loved ones of a deceased worker. To find out who is eligible for benefits and what those benefits are, read on.

What Are Death Benefits?

Workers who die as a result of a workplace accident often leave behind loved ones who are dependent on their financial support. Death benefits take the place of what the worker would have received if they were unable to work due to an injury. They are not, unfortunately, a substitute for the worker's full salary. Death benefits may be appropriate for only certain types of accidental deaths. For example, the workers' comp carrier might determine that the death was caused by outside factors and had nothing to do with work.

Qualifying Family Members

In most cases, those eligible for benefits include a spouse or a domestic partner. It can also include minor-aged children and disabled adults. These benefits have an expiration date, however. If the spouse remarries or the children come of age, the benefits are halted. If the spouse earns income, the amount of the benefit could be reduced, or they might be stopped altogether. In some states, children over the age of 18 and who are enrolled in a secondary educational facility may be eligible for extended benefits.

Benefits Family Members Can Expect

While each state is different, in general, qualifying family members can expect to be paid a certain percentage of the former salary of the deceased. You might note the percentage is usually aligned with the amount a hurt worker receives should they be unable to work after an injury. Note that there is a total sum of money set aside for family members, but they must all share in the benefit. For example, if a spouse and two children survive the worker, the benefit is split three ways. In addition to the cash benefit, any unpaid medical bills are usually paid, and some states offer the family money for funeral and burial expenses.

If a loved one has passed away and the death is related to their job, you and your loved ones may be entitled to certain monetary benefits. However, some grieving family members are shocked to find out that they are not eligible for those much-needed benefits. You probably deserve more than the workers' compensation carrier is offering you. Don't accept less than you are entitled to. Speak to a workers' compensation lawyer about your loved one's death on the job and find out what can be done to get you the financial support you need.