What are Death Benefits?
Generally, if a worker dies because of a compensable accident, the workers dependents are entitled to certain fixed benefits. Such benefits may include funeral expenses, monetary benefits to pay for lost income, and educational benefits for the spouse. To be compensable the death must occur within 1 year of the injury. If death occurs after one year, benefits may be awarded only if the death follows continuous disability.
Death benefits are sums which are paid out to the survivors of a decedent, classically the spouse and/or children of the deceased, although death benefits may also be paid to parents or business partners. There are a variety of ways to obtain death benefits, depending on one’s nationality and employment, ranging from purchasing life insurance, to applying for death benefits from government agencies. Many people are encouraged to think about death benefits if they have dependent children or a spouse who might be financially impacted by a death. The idea behind death benefits is that when a wage-earner dies, it can be very difficult for the survivors to cope. In a family with only one wage-earner, a death can be devastating, forcing the survivors to seek work to support themselves, and even in a house with multiple incomes, it can still present a blow. Death benefits are designed to help people support themselves, and they may provide total support, or just enough help for the survivors
Benefits are also available when a work-related injury or illness results in the death of a worker. These benefits are payable to the dependents of the worker as defined by New Jersey law. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INJURED AT WORK: 1. Report the injury immediately. Most injuries must be reported within 90 days, but there are different reporting periods depending on the type of injury. You should consult an attorney for any special reporting requirements. 2. Make sure you collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to your work-related injury. If your employer denies your claim this information could prove to be vital to your case. 3. If your employer denies your work-related injury, consult an attorney immediately about your rights and remedies. 4. If you believe you are not receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled, consult an attorney. A formal claim petition must be filed within two-years of the date of injury or the last payment of compensation, which
