Compensation claims after a workplace fatality: legal support for families

If you've lost a loved one in a workplace accident, we understand you're likely facing a difficult time. We can help you understand the ways you might claim financial support. In Australia, outside of New South Wales and South Australia, this may include workers' compensation death benefits (payments for eligible dependants when a worker dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness) and dependency claims (claims from those who relied on the deceased for financial support).

What are workers' compensation, death benefits and dependency claims?

When a family member dies because of a work accident, their dependants, such as a spouse or children, may be able to seek payments through a dependency claim or workers' compensation death benefit. These claims can help cover expenses like funeral costs and replace some of the financial support your family relied on for daily living needs. We can also help you understand options for superannuation death benefits (payments from a superannuation fund when a member dies) and related superannuation insurance (insurance in your superannuation that can provide a lump sum in the event of death or total and permanent disability).

Who can make a claim after a workplace fatality?

Eligibility for making a claim generally extends to those who were financially dependent on the person who died. This commonly includes spouses, partners, and children. Other family members may also be eligible depending on their level of financial reliance. We'll help you understand who in your family may be able to make a claim.

What types of support may be available?

After a workplace fatality, different types of financial support may be available to help ease the burden on your family. This can include contributions towards funeral expenses, weekly payments or a lump sum to replace lost income, and support for the financial dependants. We'll explain the types of support relevant to your individual situation.

We offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for many of our services, so you only pay our professional fees if your case is successful. mauriceblackburn.com.au/about-us/fees/

We're here to help

We know this can be a difficult time. We can help you understand where you stand and what options may be available to you. You can start with an online claim check, or to talk through your situation sooner, call us on 1800 111 222.