The vast majority of workers’ compensation claims come from injured or sickened professionals. People hurt by heavy equipment or exposed to dangerous chemicals can seek benefits on their own behalf. Workers’ compensation provides crucial support for those sickened or injured by job responsibilities.
Workers’ compensation benefits can also provide assistance for those who lose a loved one unexpectedly because of their careers. On-the-job incidents can result in people dying. Other times, workplace illnesses may eventually prove terminal.
Families coming to terms with a loved one’s career-related passing may need assistance navigating the workers’ compensation system. There are several crucial benefits available for surviving family members when a professional passes because of their career. What benefits are available to surviving family members after a workplace tragedy?
Wage replacement benefits
Losing a loved one means losing out on the financial contributions that they make to the household. Particularly when the person who passes was the primary wage earner for the household, their premature passing can have major economic implications for their dependent family members. Wage replacement benefits can provide families with ongoing financial support in lieu of their loved one’s wages.
Funeral benefits
It can be incredibly expensive to hold a public memorial service, arrange for a burial or cremate a loved one’s remains. The workers’ compensation program offers benefits that can cover those costs. Currently, surviving family members are eligible for up to $10,000 in funeral and burial benefits. Those benefits can defray the costs of memorializing a loved one.
Medical benefits
Typically, medical benefits help pay for treatment so that workers can return to their employment. However, if an individual required end-of-life care after an incident on the job or diagnosis with a work-acquired illness, workers’ compensation can pay for their treatments. The medical coverage available can eliminate one of the major financial obligations that might otherwise affect the family financially for years after the worker’s passing.
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits after a tragedy occurs can be particularly challenging for surviving family members. People who have lost a loved one to a job-related incident may need help learning about the benefits available and pursuing workers compensation coverage for their losses, and that’s okay.