If your husband died at work, you have the right to hire an attorney to file a wrongful death or workers’ compensation claim. Times like these can be incredibly painful and traumatic. That’s why it’s important to have a compassionate Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer by your side throughout the legal process.
An experienced attorney can determine what your best course of action is and work tirelessly to get the compensation you need to deal with this deeply upsetting time. Let’s take a closer look at what to do if your husband has passed away due to a workplace incident.
What to Do if Your Husband Died at Work
If your husband died at work, you’re probably wondering what you can do to get compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses. In Indiana, the immediate family members of a deceased worker are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Depending on the details of your loved one’s fatal accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death suit against their employer. An attorney can review your unique situation and determine which course of action is right for you.
Hiring an experienced lawyer is one of the most important things you can do in a situation like this. An attorney can handle your entire case so you can focus on gathering with family and mourning your loss. Your attorney will represent your best interests throughout the legal process and fight for the settlement and justice you deserve.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Benefits You Could Receive From a Workers’ Compensation Claim
As the spouse of the deceased, you may file a workers’ comp claim for benefits. If your claim is successful, you could receive compensation to cover funeral and burial costs for your husband. According to Indiana Code 22-3-3-21, you could receive up to $10,000 for these expenses.
In addition, you may get a percentage of your loved one’s salary in the form of a lump sum payment or multiple payments distributed across a number of weeks. An attorney can make sure you get the correct amount of compensation and answer any questions you have about what to do when your husband dies at work.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Damages
In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit if your spouse dies at work. For example, if your husband’s fatal accident was caused by intentional actions on the part of their employer, you have the right to sue. A lawyer can investigate the fatal accident and analyze evidence to determine if the employer’s actions were intentional.
If your husband died at work because of the negligence of a third party, you may file a lawsuit against that party. Lastly, you can take legal action against your husband’s employer if they don’t have a workers’ compensation insurance policy for their workers.
According to Indiana law, most employers are required to provide workers’ comp insurance coverage. If your husband’s employer doesn’t have coverage or if their coverage lapsed, an attorney can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages.
Compensation You Can Get From a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your husband died at work, you’ll want to consult with an experienced attorney to figure out if you should file a workers’ comp claim or a wrongful death suit. If your lawyer determines that filing a lawsuit is the right choice for you, you could receive a variety of helpful damages.
Depending on the financial setback, emotional challenges, and other struggles you’ve endured due to the loss of your husband, you could receive any of the following forms of compensation:
- Emergency medical costs
- Burial and funeral costs
- The decedent’s pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of future support
- Loss of companionship
Determining which damages you’re entitled to receive and calculating the value of your case can be difficult, especially if you’re grieving a sudden loss. That’s why you’ll want to work with a skilled attorney. A lawyer can see your case through from start to finish and provide the compassionate support you need to deal with this devastating loss.
Meet With an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it happens unexpectedly in a workplace accident. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we understand the pain you and your family must be experiencing. That’s why we’re here to offer the support and compassionate legal counsel you need to face this challenging time in your life.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis wrongful death attorney. We’ll meet with you to discuss your case and advise you on what to do if your husband dies at work. No matter how complicated your case is, we’ll fight tirelessly to get the results you need to mourn your loved one’s loss properly and support yourself during the grieving process.
