Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in PA

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an unimaginable hardship. When that loss comes as a result of a workplace accident, the grief can be compounded by financial uncertainties and legal complexities.

Fortunately, help isn’t too far away.

Paula Robinson knows better than anyone the emotional turmoil and stress you might be going through. It’s what helps her provide the finest legal services to help you navigate the intricacies of workers’ compensation death benefits in Pennsylvania. She aims to offer her clients so much more than just legal representation. Paula is a pillar of support during this challenging time, ensuring your loved one’s rights are upheld and your family’s financial future is secured.

Trust Robinson Law LLC today and secure the benefits you deserve. Paula supports clients all across Eastern PA, including the following locations:

Lehigh County
Northampton County
Bucks County
Lackawanna County
Allentown
Bethlehem
Easton
Doylestown
Williamsport
Quakertown
Center Valley
And More!

What Expenses Are Covered Under Workers' Compensation Death Benefits?

The loss of a loved one is an emotionally devastating event, made even more challenging by the financial impact it can bring. In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation death benefits are designed to provide some level of financial relief in the aftermath of a work-related death.

These benefits typically cover:

Death Benefits: A percentage of the deceased worker’s wages is provided to eligible dependents, usually the spouse and minor children. These benefits aim to offset the loss of income that the family was depending on.
Funeral Expenses: The emotional toll of funeral arrangements can be compounded by the associated costs. To help alleviate this, workers’ compensation death benefits in Pennsylvania cover up to $7,000 in funeral expenses.
Medical Costs: Any medical costs incurred as a result of the accident or illness leading to the worker’s death are generally covered. This includes hospital stays, treatments, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.

Remember, the specifics of what is covered can vary based on individual circumstances and the case details. Thankfully, Paula Robinson can be your guide to help you navigate these complexities. She’s committed to providing you with the information and support you need during this difficult time, ensuring your family receives the full benefits you are entitled to.

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in PA

Eligibility for workers’ compensation death benefits is determined by the relationship to the deceased worker and their dependency status. The primary beneficiaries are typically the spouses and minor children of the deceased. In some cases, dependent adult children or parents may also be eligible.

In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation also covers funeral expenses up to $7,000. While no amount of money can replace a family member, these benefits aim to provide some financial relief and ensure that the dignity and respect of your loved one are upheld.

It’s important to note that eligibility may extend beyond immediate family in certain circumstances. If the deceased worker did not have a spouse or children, dependent parents, brothers, and sisters might be eligible for benefits.

Who Can Receive Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in PA?

Surviving Spouses — A deceased worker’s spouse is eligible for death benefits if they lived with the worker at the time of death or depended financially on them. The spouse receives life benefits unless they remarry. Pennsylvania law recognizes both traditional marriages and common-law marriages established before 2005.
Dependent Children — Children of the deceased worker can receive benefits until age 18 or age 23 if they remain full-time students. This includes biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren who lived with the worker. If a child has physical or mental disabilities that prevent self-support, they may receive benefits indefinitely.
Parents — When no surviving spouse or children exist, dependent parents may qualify for death benefits. They must prove they relied on the deceased worker’s financial support. Both parents can receive benefits if they share household expenses or live separately.
Siblings — In rare cases where no other dependents exist, siblings under 18 (or 23 if students) may receive benefits if they depended on the deceased worker. This includes situations where the worker acted as the primary caregiver or financial provider for younger siblings.

Paula Robinson’s Role in Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

During this difficult time, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a trusted partner who can adjust to the ever-changing legal landscape while understanding the emotional turmoil you’re going through. With Robinson Law LLC as your rock, traversing Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws is easier than ever before. Paula is committed to fighting for the benefits you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and recovering from the loss of a loved one. Compassionate legal care is at the heart of our firm — because securing your rightful compensation is not just about upholding the law but about caring for people and their lives.

Contact Robinson Law LLC for a Free Consultation

When you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one due to a work-related incident, it’s important to have a team that cares about your well-being as much as they do about securing your rightful compensation.

Robinson Law LLC can cover all the bases. Let Paula carry the burden of the legal complexities while you focus on healing and remembering your loved one. Trust Paula Robinson to fight for the workers’ compensation death benefits in PA that you and your family deserve. She’s ready to listen, understand, and stand beside you every step of the way.

Paula holds certification as a specialist in workers’ compensation law from the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This distinguished credential reflects her deep knowledge of death benefits claims, wrongful death lawsuits, and every aspect of workers’ compensation law.

Additionally, Paula provides support for the following workers’ compensation claims in PA:

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People We Represent

Airport and Airline Workers
Ambulance and EMS Workers
Automotive Detailers and Mechanics
Bartenders
Bus Drivers
Construction Workers
Diesel Fitters
Firefighters
Grocery and Retail Workers
Healthcare Workers
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Workers
High-rise Building Workers
Janitorial Workers
Kitchen and Restaurant Workers
Manufacturing Workers
Medical Professionals
Municipality Workers
Nurses
Nursing Home Workers
Office Employees
Paramedics
Personal Care Workers
Plumbers
Police Officers
Public Officers
Railroad Workers
Roofers
Service and Catering Workers
State and City Workers
Teachers and Teachers’ Aides
Truck Drivers
Union Workers
Utility and Gas Workers
Warehouse Workers
Waste Management Workers
Welders

Frequently Asked Questions About PA Workers' Compensation Death Benefits

How soon after my loved one's death should I file for workers' compensation death benefits?

You should file your claim as quickly as possible after an on-the-job death. Pennsylvania law requires you to file within 3 years of your loved one’s passing. However, starting the process early helps prevent delays in receiving benefits and covers immediate expenses like burial costs. Paula is a death benefits lawyer who can help you begin this process while respecting your need to grieve.

What happens to death benefits if there are multiple eligible dependents?

When multiple family members qualify for death benefits, Pennsylvania divides them among eligible recipients. For example, if a worker leaves behind a spouse and two dependent children, they share the benefits according to state guidelines. The total amount typically stays the same but is distributed among all qualifying dependents.

Can I receive workers' compensation death benefits if my loved one died from a work-related illness years after exposure?

Yes, you can receive death benefits if your loved one dies from an occupational disease or illness, even if it developed over time. However, you must show that the illness is directly related to their work conditions. Common examples include respiratory diseases from workplace exposure or cancer from handling certain materials. You’ll need to file within three years of the date doctors linked the death to the work-related condition.

Will receiving workers' compensation death benefits affect my Social Security benefits?

Receiving workers’ compensation death benefits might impact Social Security survivor benefits due to offset rules. However, the total combined amount you receive often stays similar; it just comes from different sources. Paula helps families plan for these interactions between benefit systems so they can make informed decisions about their financial future.

What proof do I need to show dependency for death benefits?

To qualify as a dependent, you’ll need to show financial reliance on the deceased worker. This often includes:

Joint bank statements
Shared household expenses
Tax returns showing financial support
Evidence of living arrangements
Bills or receipts showing financial connections

Can I file both a workers' compensation claim AND a wrongful death lawsuit?

In most cases, workers’ compensation serves as your exclusive remedy when a loved one dies from a work-related incident. This means that if you’re receiving death benefits from your employer in PA, you typically cannot sue your loved one’s employer directly for any wrongful death claims. However, there are important exceptions:

You can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against third parties (like equipment manufacturers or contractors) who contributed to your loved one’s death.
In rare cases involving extreme employer negligence or intentional harm, you might have additional legal options.
Some workplace deaths involve complex scenarios where multiple parties share responsibility.

Speak with Paula for more insight. Contact her today.