Santa Clarita Workers' Compensation Death Benefits & Claims Support
Fatal workplace injuries climbed dramatically in 2016, rising by seven percent over the previous year’s number of work-related deaths. While California had the fourth lowest rate of deaths in the U.S. in a prior year, nearly 400 workers still passed away, in large part because the state acts as the nation’s biggest jobs engine.
When a worker loses their life on the job, their surviving dependents are entitled to receive benefits. Known as “death benefits,” this type of compensation is available to the deceased’s spouse, children, or other dependents who rely on the worker for financial support.
At The Bridgeford Law Office, APC., we provide all clients personalized attention for their workers' compensation law cases. Attorneys Mark K. Bridgeford, Gary W. Allen, Emily C. Peterson, and Zachary O. Bridgeford always return client calls and maintain direct communication throughout the entire process.
Need workers’ compensation advice or help? Call (661) 387-3712 or contact us online for a consultation about death benefits or claims.
Eligibility for Death Benefits in California
If employees pass away, their total and partial dependents are eligible for death benefits. Total dependents rely entirely on the deceased for financial support, while partial dependents only partly depend on the deceased for support.
According to California law, the following members of the deceased’s family are automatically considered to be total dependents:
- Children under 18
- Children of any age who are physically or mentally incapacitated
- A spouse who earned $30,000 or less in the 12 months before the worker’s death
Other individuals, such as an elderly father or incapacitated cousin, may also qualify as dependents if it can be proven that they relied on the worker for food, clothing, and other living expenses.
Understanding Death Benefits Amounts
Those who qualify as dependents may receive burial expenses and death benefits compensation. Workers’ compensation must pay for reasonable burial expenses, with a maximum amount of $10,000. If the death occurred before January 1, 2013, the amount is $5,000.
The amount of death benefits due is determined by the number of dependents. In California, the amounts paid out include:
- $250,000 for one total dependent
- $290,000 for two total dependents
- $320,000 for three or more total dependents
Death benefits are usually given in installment payments. If there are partial dependents, additional amounts are awarded. However, they may only receive benefits if there is only one total dependent or less.
How Our Firm Supports Employee Dependents & Employers
Consulting an attorney about death benefits and claims in California workers' compensation cases is essential due to the complexity of the state laws and the potential challenges that can arise during the claims process.
Assistance for Dependents of Deceased Workers
Attorneys in workers' compensation understand the intricate details of California law when handling claims and lawsuits. At The Bridgeford Law Office, our team includes two Certified Workers’ Compensation professionals per the California Bar who can help you navigate this complex legal system. We are here to ensure you understand your rights and benefits.
We represent the families of deceased workers in disputes to ensure that the employer's insurance company does not undervalue or deny a legitimate claim. Our team can also help prevent unnecessary delays in the claims process by navigating through red tape and expediting the receipt of benefits.
Should disputes arise over the claim, such as the cause of death or dependents’ eligibility, our firm is equipped to handle these effectively and advocate on behalf of the family.
Legal Support for Employers in Workers' Compensation Claims
Employers can benefit from legal counsel to ensure they comply with California's workers' compensation laws and avoid penalties for non-compliance. We can represent you in a dispute or a contested claim, providing defense services and negotiation experience.
Our team can also work with you to implement policies and practices that reduce workplace risks and future liability, resulting in fewer claims and lower insurance costs.
Work with a Proven Law Firm Serving Santa Clarita, Valencia, & Canyon Country
Working with a law firm experienced in California workers' compensation cases can significantly affect the outcome of a death benefits claim for both employees and employers. Legal experience can provide peace of mind, reduce financial burdens, and help maintain fairness in the workers' compensation system.
At The Bridgeford Law Office, our Santa Clarita workers’ compensation death benefits and claims attorneys represent employers and employees in all aspects of this field.
Talk to one of our Santa Clarita lawyers for death benefits and claims by contacting us online or at (661) 387-3712 today.
Don't face legal challenges alone. With decades of experience, practical wisdom, and advice, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us at (661) 387-3712 to discuss your case with our team
Testimonials From Former Clients
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"Zach was my attorney and he was fantastic through the whole experience."
I found Bridgeford Law and instantly felt like I made the right decision. Zach was my attorney and he was fantastic through the whole experience. Even the front office staff were great through my many times talking with them.
The workers comp process in California is convoluted and the insurance companies do everything they can to stall and try to wear you down. The whole process Zach did great at keeping an open line of communication with me. He helped reassure me and I will forever appreciate that. I reached a favorable settlement and I was not disappointed with the results that Bridgeford law got me. I can honestly say I will always recommend them to my friends and family.
- Nathan W. -
"I am eternally in your debt. Again, thank you."You have lightened my stress level considerably due to your diligence as well as your legal expertise; and the fact that you genuinely care about me as a person, not just a client. I am quite certain that ALL of your clients receive the same level of quality... and for that, I am eternally in your debt. So glad everything seems to be fast tracked and as bad as things are, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, which for the 1st time, looks like it ISN'T the headlights of an oncoming train. At least this holiday season is far better than last year at this time, and that's directly due to you and your staff's hard work on my behalf. Again, thank you.- Former Client
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"He fought for me and we were awarded a more than fair settlement."I was referred to Mark by a friend and after our consultation, I knew he had my best interest in mind. He fought for me and we were awarded a more than fair settlement. I would recommend Mark and his staff to anyone in need. A very good group of people.- Mason U.
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"The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond!"The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond! Mark and his team has worked hard on getting treatment for my injury. If a procedure was denied by the insurance company, Mark and Emily are ready to work on getting medical care approved. I highly recommend this office for anyone who has a work related injury. Thank you Bridgeford Law Office for taking care of my claim.- Jose V.
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"Thanks to your efforts."At least this new year will be starting on a far better note than last year at this time. Thanks to your efforts this year at least my bills are paid, my medications are here, I'm not facing eviction and there's even plenty of food in case I get an appetite despite the pain. Thanks and have a great holiday!- Former Client
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"I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law."I had the good fortune to choose Mr. Bridgeford to handle my work comp case...Not only is he an EXTREMELY skilled lawyer who prevented the insurance company from doing various nasty things to me, but his caring, legal expertise & wonderful staff prevented all of it from happening and the outcome of the case was better than I ever could have hoped for...He is without a doubt the finest work comp attorney in So. CA and if you need a great one, then he's DEFINITELY the right man with the right staff for the job...Despite this being a very complex case with 4.5 years of litigation, they were always very attentive to my needs and most definitely saw that justice was done...I have heard many stories of work comp clients getting screwed over and Mark made sure that that did not happen in my case...You will not regret choosing him...I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law.- David F.
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"I would recommend them to anyone."I had a great experience with everyone at Bridgeford Law. So professional and extremely helpful! I would recommend them to anyone.- Samantha H.
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"Would highly recommend."Very pleased with this Law Office for Workmans Comp representation. Work hard and not a dime out of pocket. Would highly recommend.- Joel C.
