Macon Fatal Work Injury Lawyer
Key Takeaways About Fatal Work Injuries
- Eligibility: Dependents of a deceased worker in Georgia may be entitled to death benefits, including funeral expenses and income replacement, under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act.
- Beneficiaries: Death benefits in Georgia are available to spouses, children, financially dependent stepchildren, and other financially dependent individuals, with specific eligibility criteria for each group.
- Duration: Benefits for a surviving spouse without children last up to 400 weeks or until remarriage or cohabitation, while dependent children and other dependents have varied duration based on circumstances.
- Legal Support: Hasner Law offers compassionate legal assistance to families dealing with fatal workplace injuries, helping navigate claims for deserved compensation and benefits.
When someone you love dies in a work-related injury, the emotional and financial turmoil can be overwhelming. Understanding your legal rights and navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation and wrongful death claims can feel impossible during this challenging time. A knowledgeable Macon fatal work injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your family receives the benefits and support it deserves.
At Hasner Law, our compassionate Macon workers’ comp attorneys are here to help guide you through Georgia’s complex workers’ compensation process. We know how devastating it is to lose a loved one in an unexpected accident, and we aim to be your pillar of support during this ordeal. Our attorneys understand the ins and outs of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws and are ready to apply our knowledge and skills to help you recover the benefits you and your family need to move forward.
Types of Death Benefits a Skilled Attorney May Be Able to Help You Recover
When someone loses their life after a workplace injury, the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act may allow the victim’s dependents to recover benefits. Death benefits are intended to ease the burden a sudden, work-related death can have on a victim’s family. A few types of death benefits our skilled Macon fatal work injury lawyers can help you pursue include the following:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Under Georgia law, dependants can receive up to $7,500 to compensate for the cost of their family member’s funeral.
- Income Replacement Payments: Beneficiaries may also be eligible to secure weekly payments of up to two-thirds of the deceased’s average weekly pay of up to $800 per week.
- Intentional Acts Penalty: If your loved one’s death was intentionally caused by their employer, you may be eligible to recover a penalty of 20% of the weekly income replacement benefit; provided that such penalty shall not exceed $20,000..
Your Macon, GA fatal work injury lawyer will meticulously review your case to determine which benefits you may be eligible to collect. We can handle every detail of your claim and take care to ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Death Benefits in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, only specific individuals are eligible to recover death benefits after a fatal workplace injury. These beneficiaries include the following:
- Surviving Spouse: Legally married spouses can qualify for death benefits. However, if the spouses were separated for 90 days or more prior to the fatal injury, the surviving spouse’s dependence may be called into question.
- Children: Children of the deceased are typically eligible to recover death benefits. Children born after the parent’s death may also qualify.
- Financially Dependent Stepchildren: Stepchildren can receive death benefits if they were economically dependent upon the deceased. Generally, stepchildren who primarily lived in the deceased’s household are eligible.
- Other Financially Dependent Individuals: An individual who can prove they were financially reliant on the deceased for at least three months before the fatal accident may be eligible for benefits if the deceased had no spouse or children.
In some cases, more than one party may be able to claim death benefits. Your Macon fatal work injury attorney can analyze your case and determine the best path forward for your unique situation.
How Long Do Death Benefits Last in Georgia?
A surviving spouse without children is entitled to benefits for up to 400 weeks as long as the total amount of benefits does not exceed $290,000. These benefits come to an end if the surviving spouse remarries or enters into a live-in partnership akin to marriage.
For dependent children, benefits cease on their 18th birthday unless they are actively enrolled in school. In these cases, benefits can be extended for full-time students until age 22. Children who are disabled and incapable of self-support due to their condition are eligible to receive benefits indefinitely as long as they continue to depend on support.
When other individuals were economically reliant on the deceased worker’s earnings, they may qualify for up to 400 weeks of benefits, assuming there is neither a surviving spouse nor children left behind. The amount of these benefits may be adjusted according to the level of dependency, particularly in cases where the dependent only partially relied on the deceased for their finances.
Partner With a Compassionate Macon, Georgia Fatal Work Injury Lawyer at Hasner Law
If your family is contending with the loss of a loved one due to a fatal workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation and benefits to help ease your financial burdens during this trying time. At Hasner Law, we are passionate about supporting families affected by workplace fatalities and helping them hold responsible parties accountable. Our proven track record in successfully handling these sensitive cases demonstrates our tireless commitment to achieving justice for our clients.
Contact Hasner Law today for a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Macon fatal work injury attorneys. Call us at (678) 888-4878 or submit our contact form to discuss your case.
