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\u2019 compensation death benefits.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child may qualify for benefits when a worker dies because of a work-related injury or occupational disease.<\/p>\n
Other family members who depended financially on the worker may also qualify in some situations.<\/p>\n
Questions can come up when spouses were separated, a marriage or domestic partnership is disputed, or another family member depended financially on the worker.<\/p>\n
A surviving spouse or domestic partner may receive part of the worker\u2019s average wages. Additional benefits may be available when the worker also leaves behind children.<\/p>\n
The amount depends on the worker\u2019s wages and which family members qualify. D.C. workers\u2019 compensation law determines how those benefits are calculated.<\/p>\n
A surviving spouse or domestic partner may continue receiving benefits unless they remarry or enter into a new domestic partnership.<\/p>\n
Children generally receive benefits until age 18. Benefits may continue longer when the child is a qualifying full-time student.<\/p>\n
D.C. workers\u2019 compensation may help cover reasonable funeral expenses.<\/p>\n
Medical treatment related to the injury or occupational disease that caused the worker\u2019s death may also be covered.<\/p>\n
Workers\u2019 compensation does not include payment for pain and suffering. The available payments are limited to the benefits provided under D.C. workers\u2019 compensation law.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Exceptions may apply, but families should not assume the employer or insurance company has properly filed everything for them.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Attorney Frank Kearney and our team help families understand D.C. workers\u2019 compensation death benefits and what needs to happen next.<\/p>\n
Call us at 202-393-3320<\/a> or tell us what happened<\/a> so we can help you understand your family\u2019s options.<\/p>\n Learn more about D.C. workers\u2019 compensation benefits<\/a><\/p>\n Understand the D.C. workers\u2019 compensation process<\/a><\/p>\n
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