When a Georgia Worker Dies On the Job, What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can His Family Receive?

The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one is always tragic. When that loss is the result of an on-the-job accident, it is no less so. In fact, the emotional losses are compounded by the loss of income and support that had been provided by the deceased worker.

When the death of a loved one is caused by someone else’s negligence, the family may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation and justice from the party responsible. However, Georgia’s workers’ compensation system precludes workers or their families from suing their employers for injuries or deaths caused by a work-related accident, though they may be able to seek compensation from any third-parties that may have contributed to the injury or death.

While the worker’s family may not be able to file a suit against the employer, Georgia’s workers’ compensation system does provide benefits to the family to compensate them for their loss.

The worker’s dependents will receive two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage – or a maximum of $550.00 per week –  for a death that occurs on or after July 1, 2015. A widowed spouse with no children is limited to a total amount of $220,000, unless he or she remarries or cohabitates in a similar relationship. Benefits also include up to $7,500 for funeral expenses.

Dependents who can receive Georgia workers’ compensation death benefits include a surviving spouse, minor children, dependent stepchildren.

However, as with all workers’ compensation claims, employers and their insurers sometimes dispute a family’s right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. When that happens, having an experienced and aggressive Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

Parian Law Firm: West Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

At Parian Law Firm, we take pride in protecting the health and the rights of injured Georgia workers and their families through skilled representation in workers’ compensation matters. If you’ve been injured on the job or lost a loved one in a work-related accident, please give us a call at (770) 727-5550 or chat live online with a member of our staff today. We will work tirelessly to get you the benefits you deserve so you can move forward with your life.