Disability Law

Fatal Work Accidents in Georgia: Death Benefits Are Available For Workers' Loved Ones

By Jack E. Clay

As I have mentioned, my Douglasville law firm handles serious injury and workers? compensation cases. Common on-the-job injuries are back injuries, neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and knee injuries that can be treated with proper medical care. However, an alarming number of workplace accidents result in fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 5,488 deaths in the workplace were reported in 2007. This statistic includes transportation incidents, injuries sustained by on-duty police officers, and falls, among other accidents. Ranking at the top of the list of occupations with the highest number of fatalities per year is construction jobs. I have blogged recently about the dangerous conditions to which a construction worker is exposed.

Death benefits are regulated under Georgia Workers' Compensation law. The injured worker can receive medical benefits for his or her final illness plus burial expenses up to $7,500.00 If a worker suffers a death while working that qualifies under the law and leaves a spouse with no dependents, the sole surviving spouse can obtain $150,000.00 in income benefits. If a worker dies in an on the job injury in Georgia, their dependents can collect workers' compensation benefits, without any cap on the total recover, until the time expires under the law. The time until which a beneficiary can still collect death benefits varies, so please consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation.

Family members of a worker who has been killed on the job often wonder what they should do from a legal standpoint. In fact, I have met with and represented clients who have found themselves in this devastating position. It is important to discuss the situation with an experienced workers? compensation attorney.

If you or someone you know has lost a family member to a fatal work accident, please contact my office for a free consultation.

Full post as published by Georgia Law Blog on September 11, 2008 (boomark / email).