What Happens To Workers’ Comp When You Die?

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What Happens To Workers' Comp When You Die?

Lawyer explain what happens to workers’ comp when you die in Michigan, strategies to prevent these benefits from ending at death and why settlement is a smart option.

We see individuals who suffer from permanent disability after getting hurt on-the-job. This means they are unable to return to gainful employment and may need lifetime medical care. Supporting a family on just 80% of regular pay can be difficult and requires tough financial decisions. Our experience shows that planning for the future is the key to getting a good result. Many clients asks us what happens to your Michigan workers’ comp benefits when you die? This is an important question that everyone should be able to answer. Here are some strategies to make sure these benefits do not end when a person dies.

Workers’ comp is a safety net for people hurt on-the-job and it pays regardless of fault. It covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment. Employees who cannot work should also get 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage for lost wages.

If a person happens to die while they are collecting Michigan workers’ comp benefits then medical and wage loss benefits stop immediately. Negotiating a settlement before a person dies is a good strategy to protect future income for their family. This can be accomplished with a lump sum cash payment or with an annuity that pays over several years.

What happens to Michigan workers’ comp when you die?

In Michigan, when a person happens to die while they are collecting workers’ comp benefits then insurance companis stop paying for medical treatment and lost wages. Insurance companies pay for these benefits and they are no longer needed. Family members can get survivor’s benefits if the death was related to the workplace accident.

What happens to a settlement?

In Michigan, when somone happens to die while they are on workers’ comp then collection of benefits end unless the claim has been settled. This is when future work injury benefits are traded for a lump sum cash settlement. It is an attractive option for most people because it gets the insurance company off their back. It also guarantees money for a family even if death should occur later. Settlements can be structed in a variety of ways, so money is paid out over time.

Settlements often include money for additional medical treatment and these funds can be passed through to the estate. It is a good idea to speak with an experienced lawyer before negotiating a settlement to makes sure the terms are correct. Insurance companies frequently include revisionary clauses that means the money goes back to them at the time of death.

What happens to workers’ comp when someone dies on-the-job in Michigan?

In Michigan, if someone happens to die while on-the-job then survivor’s benefits are payable if that employee dies as the result of that workplace accident. This can happen days, months, or even years after the injury occurred. This is especially true in the case of occupational diseases. Family members can get 500 weeks of wage loss benefits. This money will not be paid unless there is a dependent like a spouse or child.

Need help? Contact our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers now

If you were injured while on the job in Michigan and have questions about your claim, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.

Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

How To Calculate Workers’ Comp: What You Need To Know

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.