Workplace Fatalities And Workers Comp

Workplace Fatalities are tragic and sometimes unavoidable. It’s a terrible thing on many levels, but it happens.  4,679 workers died on the job in 2014.  That’s almost 13 deaths every day.   Leading causes of employee death include accidents like falls and slips, falling objects, fire, transportation, and violence, whether by people (such as robbers) or animals. Most people know that workers comp covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from accidents and other incidents that occur in the workplace.  

What To Do After A Fatality On The Job Regarding Workers Compensation

The person who is claiming the benefit has to show that the incident was related to the job.   If the person who died went out on a delivery and decided to get drunk on the way, the company is probably not going to be held liable.   Suicide and intentional efforts to hurt or kill oneself are also not generally covered.

File A Workers Compensation Insurance Claim

The claim should be filed within 30 days of the death via Form 18, Notice of Accident.  This needs to be done even if the employer is already aware of the death and the cause of it.  One copy needs to be sent to the employer and the other needs to go to the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

From there, paperwork is done and the beneficiaries are determined.  

You can read more of our blogs about workers comp insurance for more information.

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects and reports a wide range of information about workplace injuries and fatalities? Their data show that in 2022, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries in the United States, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, in the same year, employers reported 2.8 million injury and illness cases, a 7.5% rise from 2021.

Workers Comp Benefits For Fatalities

Burial expenses up to $10,000 2/3 of the worker’s average weekly wage is paid every week for a minimum of 500 weeks Widows or widowers receive payments until death or remarriage Minor children receive payments until they are 18 years old, even if that’s more than 500 weeks. As you can see, workers’ comp does a lot to help out the family of an employee in case of death.   It can mean a great deal to a family who has recently lost a loved one and give them one or two fewer things to worry about as they grieve and start to pick up the pieces.

People Also Ask - Workplace Fatalities And Workers Comp

Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment. In the event of an injury, they must provide immediate assistance and facilitate workers' compensation claims. Ongoing support and accommodation for the injured worker might also be necessary.

If a death occurs at work, it must be reported to the relevant authorities, like OSHA. The employer is also responsible for initiating the workers' compensation claims process to support the deceased worker's family, covering burial expenses and providing financial benefits.

Employers should respond promptly to workplace injuries by providing medical aid, reporting the incident, and cooperating in the investigation. They must also support the injured employee's workers' compensation claim and ensure their rights are protected.

Yes, OSHA investigates workplace deaths to determine the cause and whether any safety regulations were violated. Their findings can lead to changes in workplace policies or practices to prevent future incidents.

The Final Verdict - Workplace Fatalities and Workers Comp

Workplace fatalities, while tragic, are a critical area where workers’ compensation plays a vital role.

Employers must navigate these incidents with sensitivity and adherence to legal protocols, ensuring families of the deceased are supported through workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits, such as covering burial costs and providing ongoing financial support, are crucial in helping families during such difficult times.

Remember, if you need more information or assistance regarding workers’ compensation insurance, don’t hesitate to contact an ALLCHOICE Insurance Advisor. Their expertise can guide you through these complex situations, providing support and clarity.

How to get Workers Comp Insurance

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Current ALLCHOICE clients:

Check out the Member Center or call us at 1-844-540-0463 to see if product is availbale and included in your policy. 

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