Many people know that workers compensation provides a remedy for individuals who sustain work-related injuries. Few people know that workers comp is still available even if the work-related injury results in the employee’s death. In Missouri, lawmakers have progressively expanded workers comp liability to provide financial relief to the dependents of deceased employees. Currently, The Workers’ Compensation Law provides three separate benefits as a direct result of the compensable death of an employee: (1) expenses for the burial of the employee; (2) a lump sum award payable to the employee’s surviving spouse upon the spouse’s remarriage; (3) a “death benefit”, or compensation payable to certain presumed or actual dependents of the decedent, whether their dependency is partial or total in nature. Typically, the amount of the death benefit is based upon the decedent employees average weekly earnings in the year immediately preceding the injury that resulted in the death. If a deceased employee leaves no presumptive or actual dependents, the only benefits payable are those for the burial expenses, and benefits associated with medical aid provided to the decedent pursuant to The Law.
If your spouse was fatally injured at work, you still may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. It is important to understand your rights and the process for recovering benefits. Therefore, you should contact an experienced workers compensation attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve!
Contact an Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer
The St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC have nearly 50 years of combined Work Comp experience and we have handled some of the most complex Workers Comp cases throughout Missouri. If you have been injured at work, call our knowledgeable attorneys at (314) 821-9013 or send us a Workers Comp question. We look forward to helping you. All communications are returned promptly.
Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC based in St. Louis, Missouri have nearly 50 combined years of work comp experience. Call our attorneys today
