D.C. Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits

When a worker dies because of a job-related accident or occupational disease, their surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other dependent family members may qualify for D.C. workers’ compensation death benefits.

These benefits can replace part of the income the worker provided. They may also help cover funeral expenses and medical treatment related to the fatal injury.

After losing a loved one, the last thing your family needs is the added pressure of dealing with the insurance company or trying to understand the claim process alone.

Who Can Receive D.C. Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits?

A surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child may qualify for benefits when a worker dies because of a work-related injury or occupational disease.

Other family members who depended financially on the worker may also qualify in some situations.

Questions can come up when spouses were separated, a marriage or domestic partnership is disputed, or another family member depended financially on the worker.

What Death Benefits Are Available?

A surviving spouse or domestic partner may receive part of the worker’s average wages. Additional benefits may be available when the worker also leaves behind children.

The amount depends on the worker’s wages and which family members qualify. D.C. workers’ compensation law determines how those benefits are calculated.

How Long Can a Family Receive Benefits?

A surviving spouse or domestic partner may continue receiving benefits unless they remarry or enter into a new domestic partnership.

Children generally receive benefits until age 18. Benefits may continue longer when the child is a qualifying full-time student.

Are Funeral and Medical Expenses Covered?

D.C. workers’ compensation may help cover reasonable funeral expenses.

Medical treatment related to the injury or occupational disease that caused the worker’s death may also be covered.

Workers’ compensation does not include payment for pain and suffering. The available payments are limited to the benefits provided under D.C. workers’ compensation law.

How Long Do You Have to File a Death Benefits Claim?

There are strict deadlines after a work-related death. Notice generally must be provided within 30 days, and a claim for death benefits generally must be filed within one year.

Exceptions may apply, but families should not assume the employer or insurance company has properly filed everything for them.

Talk With a D.C. Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Losing a spouse, parent, or other family member because of a work accident is devastating. You should not also have to take on the insurance company while your family is grieving.

Attorney Frank Kearney and our team help families understand D.C. workers’ compensation death benefits and what needs to happen next.

Call us at 202-393-3320 or tell us what happened so we can help you understand your family’s options.