The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act is meant to provide compensation to individuals who are injured on the job. The benefits provided through the Act are meant to help injured individuals return to work, but, if an individual dies as a result of the accident, the benefits are also provided to help the individual’s dependents ease the burden of their financial loss. In the event of an employee’s death due to a work injury on or after July 1, 2016, dependents are entitled to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage or a maximum of $575 per week. Qualifying dependents are the employee’s spouse, children, and dependent stepchildren.
A death is generally compensable if the injury triggered, activated, or aggravated a disease or dormant condition that contributed to the employee’s death. The employee has the burden of proving that the death resulted from an accident arising out of and in the course of the employee’s employment. In general, an employee’s dependents are entitled to reasonable expenses for the employee’s last sickness, burial expenses, and weekly dependency benefits.
Stuntman Dies After Work Injury
A stuntman on the show The Walking Dead recently died after he was injured in an accident on set. According to one news source, the stuntman hit his head on a concrete floor after he fell about 30 feet. He was brought to a hospital in Atlanta after the accident, but he died a few days later. The stuntman had worked on other shows and movies, and his death was the first stuntman death in 17 years. The show had been filming its eighth season and had filmed many episodes in metro Atlanta.
One stunt coordinator stated that stunt work is “a safe business” and that precautions are taken, but sometimes accidents happen. He said that the stunt workers are highly trained and that they are not “daredevils.” Another stuntman said that there is always a risk in the job, but no one thinks they are going to lose their life. He said that safety is always a top priority in the business.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the accident. A spokesman for OSHA said that the investigation could take six months to complete. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is also investigating the accident. The organization stated that the safety of its members was paramount and that it would work closely with authorities to monitor their investigations.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Georgia Work Accident?
If you have lost a loved one after a work injury, you may be entitled to benefits under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act. The Georgia law office of J. Franklin Burns, P.C. has decades of experience in workers’ compensation claims. Since many of our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys were insurance defense attorneys first, our office has the advantage of understanding the other side’s perspective in order to advance our clients’ cases at trial or through settlement negotiations. We provide friendly, approachable representation and responsible client service. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 404-920-4708 or contact us through our online form.
