What Happens If a Worker Dies On the Job in Minnesota?
Minnesota workers' compensation insurance provides coverage for deaths that arise out of and in the course of employment. Workers' compensation death benefits include $15,000 in funeral and burial expenses, weekly wage payments to the surviving spouse and dependents, and a $60,000 payment to the deceased worker's estate.
MN Workers Compensation Law
Most Minnesota employers are required to maintain insurance coverage that provides benefits to employees that have workplace injuries. A fatal injury qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits if it “aris[es] out of and in the course of employment.” In other words, a death resulting from an injury that was caused by the work environment during work hours qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits.
Not all deaths at the workplace arise out of employment. By way of example, the family of a construction worker that died of a heart attack at a job site may or may not be entitled to dependency benefits. If the heart attack was solely caused by a personal health condition, then the family would not be entitled to dependency benefits. If it is proven that a workplace event caused the heart attack, then the family may be entitled to dependency benefits.
The Workers' Compensation Act is the exclusive remedy for injuries or deaths arising out of and in the course of employment. This means that the family of an employee that died on the job generally cannot bring a wrongful deathful claim against the employer in state court. However, the family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against someone other than the employer.
MN Workers' Compensation Death Benefits
Work-related death claims may include funeral and burial expenses, dependency benefits, and a payment to the estate of the deceased worker.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
The insurance company must reimburse reasonable funeral and burial expenses up to $15,000.
Dependency Benefits
The insurance company must pay the surviving spouse and dependents of the deceased employee a weekly benefit. The weekly benefit is a percentage of the deceased worker's average wage, divided up amongst family of the deceased. The percentage can range from 30% to 66.67%, based on the relationship and number of dependents.
A family member that is financially supported by the deceased employee is likely a dependent. This might include dependent parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, or in-laws that were dependent on the worker.
Payment to Estate
If the deceased worker leaves no dependents receiving benefits, then the insurance company must make a payment to the estate in the amount of $60,000.
Conclusion
Minnesota's workers' compensation system provides essential support for families dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident. This support includes substantial benefits such as coverage for funeral and burial expenses, ongoing weekly payments to dependents, and a significant lump-sum payment to the worker's estate if there are no dependents.
It is important for families to understand that not all workplace deaths automatically qualify for these benefits; the death must be related to the worker's employment. While the Workers' Compensation Act serves as the primary recourse for families, limiting the possibility of suing the employer for wrongful death, there remains the potential to pursue claims against third parties if applicable.
This comprehensive coverage aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by grieving families, ensuring they receive the necessary support during such a difficult time. Understanding these provisions can help families secure the benefits they are entitled to under Minnesota law.
LawSmith PLLC is a Minnesota legal practice that represents injured employees in workers' compensation cases. A free consultation with an experienced workers' comp lawyer is available on request.
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