PA Workers Compensation Fatal Claims - Death Benefits
When a Pennsylvania worker dies due to a work injury or due to a work-related disease or illness, his or her wife or husband and dependents have valuable rights under the Workers' Compensation Act. In a PA Workers Compensation Death Claim, the spouse or dependents of the deceased worker may advance their rights to receive a substantial percentage of the decedent worker's loss of wages. A spouse may receive such death benefits for life, subject to certain constraints. Dependent children may have a right to be paid benefits fully through their college years, at rates that will vary depending on the number of dependents. In addition, the Act affords a funeral allowance for work-related injuries or illnesses resulting in death, and for payment of relevant medical expenses incurred before death.
BEWARE. Some workers' compensation insurers have been known to take advantage of bereaved spouses and dependents, offering seemingly generous early settlements (via Compromise and Release) to unrepresented parties that are typically a tiny fraction of the insurer's actual exposure in a death claim. This practice is most pronounced in cases involving a sudden traumatic death from a catastrophic work injury. Do not agree to anything without speaking to an experienced attorney who is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers compensation law. The consultation is free when you contact our office. It must also be remembered that not only catastrophic accidents are covered. Workers who suffer heart attacks at work or due to their work activity may later come to an untimely death due to a work-related heart condition. Other illness exposures arising in the workplace may lead to death, sometimes occurring years after a diagnosis is recognized as work-related. Some groups, such as fire-fighters and other first responders, are given special treatment under the Act for work-related diseases, including a broad list of diagnoses that includes heart disease. If your loved one suffered a heart attack, even outside of work, it may well be shown that the conditions that lead to the heart attack were work-related. Call us to discuss the facts of your situation and the options and rights afforded by the Workers' Compensation Act and the Occupational Disease Law, and more recent Acts and amendments expanding workers' rights for groups with occupations placing them at increased risks. Call attorney Tim Kennedy today to discuss your rights. (484) 453-8144
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Don't Wait for Trouble Before Contacting Us
Getting us involved early costs you nothing. We work on a contingency, and we only get paid when we win for you in court or negotiate a lump sum settlement you approve. We can help position your claim so that you may avoid a fight in court, while at the same time strengthening your position for a large lump sum settlement. Call us now to find out how.
(484) 787-2000
I called Tim, and that was the best thing I could have done.
-Posted by Workers Comp Client |
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