What is the purpose of death benefits in the context of workers' compensation?

The purpose of death benefits in the context of workers' compensation is to compensate for the financial loss experienced by dependents or survivors due to a worker's death that occurred as a result of a work-related incident. These benefits are designed to replace the income that the deceased worker would have provided to their family, ensuring that dependents can maintain a certain level of financial stability despite the loss of their primary source of support.

Death benefits typically cover expenses related to lost wages, which can cover both immediate financial needs and ongoing support for loved ones. This assistance is critical because it acknowledges the long-term impact of losing a breadwinner and aims to alleviate financial hardships that may arise from this tragic event. While funeral expenses are often covered as part of workers' compensation, the broader goal of death benefits is much more comprehensive, addressing the overall financial support that survivors will need moving forward.