Workplace injuries can have varying degrees of harm. Such injuries commonly leave the injured worker with copious amounts of medical damages, leaving them to pursue reimbursement through workers compensation claims. Sadly, some workplace accidents result in the worker’s death. In these cases, it is the family of the deceased who suffers the brunt of its effect, both emotionally and financially. Thankfully, an experienced employment attorney can help such families recover workers compensation death benefits. While no amount of monetary benefit can ever fully compensate the emotional loss suffered when losing a beloved family member, an attorney can still file a claim on the family’s behalf in a low-stress manner during a time of grieving.
Who Qualifies for Workers Compensation Death Benefits?
Under California workers compensation law, people who qualify for workers compensation death benefits are those who are dependent or partially dependent on the deceased worker.
These may include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Step-Children
- Grandchildren
- Grandparents
- Aunt/Uncle
- Siblings
- Brother/Sister-in-law
- Parents
- Mother/Father-in-law
Merely being in one of the above-mentioned groups does not automatically qualify a person to receive benefits. Workers compensation death benefits law is complex and requires a skilled attorney to navigate its process. Matters are further complicated when the deceased has a will or trust in place. San Diego attorney Steven Brian Davis is very experienced in helping families and individuals receive their maximum benefits when a loved one suffers a fatal workplace injury. If you think you may qualify for death benefits under California workers compensation law, contact Steven Brian Davis here.
Types of Fatal Workplace Injuries
There are many types of incidents that may form the basis for a workers compensation death benefits claim. Some common injuries include:
- police officer killed in line of duty
- fatal automobile accidents
- accidents involving heavy machinery in construction
- exposure to harmful chemicals or hazardous materials
- falling from a high plane (ladder, scaffolding, building)
Some California courts have held that when a work condition aggravates a pre-existing injury that results in death, the dependents may qualify for death benefits. Whatever the case, California workers compensation law is not cut and dried for an unskilled attorney. If you think a loved one has suffered a fatal workplace injury, or you think you may qualify for death benefits from such an injury, contact San Diego workers compensation attorney Steven Brian Davis at 1-858-451-1004 for a free case evaluation.
