When you lose a loved one to a job-related accident, your family can file a workers’ compensation claim for financial coverage for many of the losses you sustained because of that death. While it cannot bring your loved one back, it can provide you with much-needed compensation for some of the financial losses that accompany the loss of a loved one. Death and dependent Waukegan workers’ compensation claims, however, can prove unexpectedly complicated. Working with a workers’ comp lawyer can help you establish the compensation you deserve and your right to those essential benefits.
In order to file a claim that will provide your family with compensation for the loss of a loved one as part of death and dependent Waukegan workers’ compensation claims, you will need to start by showing eligibility. Eligible dependents include:
In some cases, other family members or individuals who were at least 50% dependent on the deceased for their financial needs may have the right to recover death benefits.
The compensation provided for the loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident can include several of the financial losses the family may have to deal with in the aftermath of that loss.
Workers’ comp provides a fixed amount for burial expenses, which may change based on the current price of funeral and burial services.
If the deceased received any medical treatment before their death, workers’ compensation will usually cover the cost of that medical treatment. Families may be eligible for death benefits for the loss of a loved one even if their loved one did not die immediately of their injuries. Those expenses will generally be paid by workers’ compensation directly, which means that the family will not have to take on many of those expenses.
As part of death and dependent workers’ compensation claims in Waukegan, eligible family members may be able to receive survivors’ benefits that cover a percentage of the deceased’s wages for the period of eligibility. The state establishes minimum and maximum payout amounts annually; however, eligible dependents can receive up to 2/3 of the deceased’s average weekly wage. These benefits may last until workers’ compensation has paid out $500,000 or for up to 25 years, depending on the amount. Children may also no longer receive survivors’ benefits when they are no longer of dependent age.
If a spouse remarries and the deceased does not have any minor children, the spouse may receive a lump sum payment equal to approximately two years of benefits. After that, they will receive no further payments.
Death and dependent workers’ compensation claims can provide much-needed coverage for many of the financial losses that accompany the loss of a loved one in Waukegan. However, handling those claims alone can leave your family struggling to get the full compensation you deserve. Contact Schlack & Bassmaji to connect with effective personal injury attorneys who will personalize their services to your needs and help you recover fair compensation for the loss of a loved one.
