What death benefits are payable under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA)?
If an injury causes death, the employee's survivors are entitled to death benefits. The benefits include payment for funeral expenses in the amount of $3,000. In addition, the survivor who is entitled to death benefits include the widow or widower, surviving children, and (if there is no surviving spouse or child) grandchildren, brothers and sisters, if dependant on the deceased at the time of the injury.
The total benefits paid to a widow or widower and surviving children cannot exceed 66 2/3 of the decedent's average weekly wage. Benefits are payable to children until they reach the age of 18. Following this, the widow or widower receives 50 percent of the average weekly wage in benefits unless and until the widow or widower remarries.