The death of an employee on the job is definitely unfortunate. The grieving family often finds themselves in financial difficulties after paying off the medical expenses and death duties. Sadly, many employers wash their hands off denying paying anything to the immediate family despite the law endorsing it. It is mandatory to look for an experienced Workers compensation attorney Macon in such circumstances and engage his services ASAP.
Well, neither the insurance company nor the employer will give you the facts despite your appeal. The attorney, however, will be able to unearth the truth and pass on the information about the benefits you are entitled to. Check out the details below and make sure that you hire the right lawyer to act on your behalf thereby ensuring the future of your family.
How much is the family entitled to?
The members who were dependent on the employee are entitled to receive two thirds of the weekly salary of the employee or a maximum sum of 0 per week. A burial expense of $ 7500 maximum is also due to the bereaved family. The widow can claim up to 5,000 in total if she happens to have no kids and does not remarry.
Who is considered to be a dependent?
The spouse and minor children including step children are usually believed to be the legal dependents who are entitled to the death benefits. However, in absence of any surviving spouse or children the benefits may be passed on to the other dependent family members. It is best to consult the attorney on this and process the claim accordingly. While the old and infirm parents may also be eligible to receive the death benefits, the workers comp lawyers will be able to help you out by arguing in favor of the claim, if the employer or the insurance company refuses to part with the money.
Calculation of financial loss
This is indeed a difficult time for the family who do not have the knowledge or the frame of mind to calculate the amount due to them. It is crucial to let your lawyer handling the worker’s compensation on your behalf take over. The calculation actually depends on several factors including the number of children, financial status of the spouse as well as the funeral and burial expenses.
Processing
It is also imperative to prepare and process the documents without any flaws right away. Detection of errors may result in denial of the claim leading you and your family to go over the paperwork once again. It is best to let the attorney do it for you the first time round in order to hasten the process.
About the author:
This article is written by Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, L.L.P. Team. Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, LLP, has been representing people with legal needs for over 50 years. Our law firm uses the vast resources available and we have the experience needed to handle successfully a wide range of complex legal issues.
