It’s painful to lose someone you love, even a dear elderly relative whose death has long been expected. But when a healthy family member dies suddenly in a work-related accident, the shock can be devastating. Often, few answers are available. You may not realize it then, but when a family member dies in a workplace accident in southern California, that family is going to need the legal services of an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney.
A good workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the aftermath of a tragedy and help you obtain the benefits that can ease the financial strain and help family members move forward with their lives. Whether a work-related fatality was caused by a traffic accident, a chemical exposure, a scaffolding accident, or any other kind of mishap, survivors may qualify for workers’ compensation death benefits, sometimes called “survivorship” benefits. California workers’ compensation death benefits can include burial expenses up to $10,000 and weekly benefit payments to the survivors of the deceased. Typically a family can receive survivors’ benefits up to a specified maximum amount or for a specified length of time. The amount of the death benefit depends on the number of dependents. In the case of one or more dependent minors, death benefits can continue until youngest minor’s 18th birthday. Families must apply for survivor benefits within one year of their loved one’s death. The process is complicated, so be sure to have the help of a good workers’ compensation lawyer.
An experienced workers’ comp attorney can assess your family’s situation, provide sound legal advice, and if necessary represent you in court. The help of a good workers’ compensation lawyer is imperative if you want to guarantee your family’s rights and your rightful compensation. If a member of your family dies in a workplace accident in southern California – now or in the future – get the help you need right away from an experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney.