What Are the Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Georgia?

The workers’ compensation death benefits in Georgia include up to $7,500 for burial expenses and income replacement payments totaling up to two-thirds of a deceased worker’s average weekly wage. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can explain these benefits in detail. They can help you show you deserve full benefits. 

For more than 25 years, our team has helped clients in workers’ compensation cases and many others. Let us help you recover workers’ comp death benefits in Georgia. Schedule a free case consultation.

Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Georgia That You Could Receive

In terms of Georgia’s workers’ compensation death benefits, you could get temporary total disability benefits and burial and funeral expenses. An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can provide insights into both of these. They can calculate your losses and gather evidence to show you deserve workers’ comp death benefits.

Per workers’ compensation law FAQs provided by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, you could receive up to $800 weekly in temporary total disability benefits. In total, a widowed spouse with no children can get up to $320,000 via these benefits. Burial and funeral expenses are capped at $7,500. 

The team at John Foy & Associates understands workers’ comp death benefits in Georgia. If you have concerns or questions about these benefits or want to request them, we are here to assist you. Contact us for more information. 

Who Can Get Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Georgia

A surviving spouse, dependent children, and other family members of a deceased person (decedent) may be eligible for Georgia workers’ comp death benefits. Your lawyer can determine your eligibility for these benefits. They can also discuss what workers’ compensation pays in Georgia and other relevant legal topics with you. 

As far as how workers’ compensation payments work in Georgia, you may receive weekly checks based on a decedent’s income. These checks are two-thirds of this income up to $800. You could receive compensation for funeral and burial expenses in full via a lump-sum payment. 

With workers’ compensation death benefits in Georgia, you could receive them for up to 400 weeks. Your lawyer can help you secure these benefits right away. They can give you details about the claims process and help you request workers’ comp benefits immediately. 

How to Request Georgia Workers’ Comp Death Benefits

Fill out Form WC-14 Notice of Claim and submit it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, the decedent’s employer, and their employer’s insurer. 

In Georgia, you generally have up to 90 days from the date of a worker’s death to notify their employer. You may have one year from the date of a fatal work accident to request Georgia workers’ compensation death benefits. 

Evidence can play an important role in getting your benefits request approved. You may provide a copy of a decedent’s death certificate, medical records, witness statements, and other proof. If you have an abundance of evidence, it may be clear that your claim is valid. 

You could receive all or some of the benefits you request. If your request is denied, you can appeal. Your lawyer can help you submit your appeal and build an argument designed to help get a reversal of the original rejection. 

Tips for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits Claim in Georgia

The process for submitting a workers’ compensation death benefits claim can be challenging. Have a lawyer assist you at each stage of this process to avoid mistakes. 

Here are things you and your lawyer can do to boost your chances of getting your request for workers’ comp death benefits approved. 

Report a Worker’s Death to Their Employer Promptly

You and your family members may be dealing with the emotional toll that comes with losing a loved one in a fatal work accident.  A lawyer can help you deal with the aftermath of your loved one’s death. They can work with you to notify an employer about your loss, ensuring you can file your death benefits claim in alignment with the law. 

Collect Documentation for Your Claim

It is not enough to say that your family member’s death occurred at work and that you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits from their employer. 

Your attorney can help you gather sufficient evidence to validate your claim. They will gather a wide range of evidence that can make it tough for an insurance company to contest your workers’ comp request. 

Submit Your Claim on Time

The window for filing your claim is limited, and it may not be extended. If you wait more than one year from the date of your family member’s death to seek workers’ compensation death benefits in Georgia, you may be ineligible to recover them. 

Rather than wait, let a lawyer submit your claim as soon as possible, as this can help you get workers’ comp benefits soon. 

Communicate with an Insurance Company

If an insurer asks for documentation relating to your claim, tell your lawyer. Your attorney can communicate with this insurance company on your behalf and provide the business with the documentation it requests. 

This helps minimize the risk of miscommunications that could otherwise compromise your claim and lead to a denial. 

Keep the Lines of Communication Open with Your Lawyer

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are in the process of filing a death benefits claim. Your lawyer offers legal guidance and support. They will keep you updated as this process moves forward and are available to respond to your legal concerns and questions. 

Ideally, an employer’s insurance company reviews your claim and approves it without delay. This will allow you to recover workers’ comp death benefits. From here, you and your family members can get compensation that helps you stay afloat financially. 

Give The Strong Arm the Opportunity to Assist You with Your Georgia Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits Claim

John Foy & Associates wants you and your family members to receive the help you need following the loss of your loved one. 

We can learn about your case and assist you with your workers’ comp death benefits claim. Request a free case consultation.