Colorado workers’ compensation laws provide various protections to injured workers; they also stipulate that families of workers who have sustained fatal workplace injuries may be entitled to receive death benefits. Given that the eligibility requirements for Colorado death benefits can be complicated and that the process of receiving these benefits can be obtuse, in this blog series, we will answer some common questions about Colorado death benefits.

Although the answers discussed herein are general in nature, you can easily get more specific answers regarding your situation by contacting the Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick.

Answers and Info about Colorado Death Benefits…

Q – Who can apply for Colorado death benefits when a loved one dies?

If you have questions about Colorado death benefits, we have answers. Check out these Colorado death benefits FAQs, or call us today.

A – When a fatal workplace injury occurs, the dependents of the decedent (i.e., the worker who has passed away), as well as the spouse of the decedent, will likely be entitled to death benefits. It’s important to note that the following people may also be able to obtain Colorado death benefits if they can prove that they were dependent on the decedent:

• Adopted children and children older than 18 years old
• Siblings
• Parents
• Grandparents.

Q – How much are Colorado death benefits?

A – In general, Colorado death benefits will be 2/3 (or 66 percent) of the deceased worker’s average weekly wages, with this amount being:

• A minimum of 25 percent of the applicable maximum per week
• A maximum of 91 percent of the Colorado average weekly wage (for workplace accident taking place on or after July 1, 1989).

With these death benefits, it’s important to point out that:

• Receiving other benefits may result in the amount of Colorado death benefits being reduced by some percentage
• How long these benefit payments will last will depend on who is receiving these benefits. For instance, while Colorado death benefits may last for the rest of a spouse’s life or until the spouse remarries, these benefits may stop for dependents of the decedent when they turn 18 years old.

We will answer some more common questions about death benefits in Colorado in a few installments of this blog series that will be posted soon – be sure to check them out!

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick

Have you lost a loved one to a fatal workplace injury? If so, contact the Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals are experienced at going up against insurance companies, and we have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses.

Contact Us Today

Let’s discuss your case and your best options for obtaining the benefits you likely deserve. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice, call us at (303) 447-2644. You can also email us using the contact form at the top of this page.

From our offices in Boulder, we represent people throughout Colorado.