Work-Related Deaths: Who Can Receive Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits?

While some industries like construction, manufacturing and agriculture may be inherently more dangerous, accidents happen and workers suffer serious injury and death every day in the workplace.

In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits are available to the families of workers who died of injury or work-related illness. As with any serious injury, speak with an experienced attorney to ensure you and your family receive all entitled benefits if a loved one is killed on the job.

Points about death benefits through the Florida worker’s compensation program include:

• Compensation is provided if the death occurs within one year of a work-related accident, or within five years of continuous disability.

• Funeral expenses not exceeding $7,500 will be paid within fourteen days of receipt of an invoice.

• Compensation is provided to dependents based on the weekly wage of the deceased. Subject to limits, compensation shall not exceed approximately 66 and two-thirds percent of the average weekly wage of the deceased.

• Depending on circumstances and dependents, individuals entitled by law to receive workers’ compensation death benefits may include a spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters and grandchildren.  The relationship between the dependent and the deceased must have existed at the time of death.

• Educational benefits are provided to the spouse of a deceased worker subject to their qualification for enrollment and ability to maintain regular admission requirements.

If your loved one was killed on the job, maintaining the ability to pay your living expenses is vital. If you have questions about workers’ compensation or death benefits, speak with us at Louis P. Pfeffer, PA.