What are the benefits for survivors of workers killed in offshore accidents?

Port and Harbor Workers Compensation Act

When a worker dies in an offshore accident, survivors can be left with a devastating financial and emotional burden. However, there are several benefits available to help survivors deal with this difficult time.

Types of Benefits Available

Benefits of Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is an insurance system that provides financial support to injured workers or their survivors. In the event of a worker's death, survivors may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Death benefits: These benefits are paid to the deceased worker's surviving spouse, children, or other dependents. The amount of death benefits is typically calculated based on the worker's average weekly earnings and the number of dependents.
• Funeral expenses: Workers' compensation also covers the cost of burial and funeral expenses.
• Addiction Benefits: These benefits are paid to the deceased worker's dependents who were financially dependent on the worker's income. Dependency benefits may include payments for food, housing, clothing, and other necessities.
• Medical Benefits: Workers' compensation also covers the cost of medical expenses related to the worker's death, such as the cost of hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.

Benefits Provided by the Employer

In addition to workers' compensation benefits, survivors may also be eligible for employer benefits. These benefits may include:

• Life insurance: Many employers offer life insurance policies to their employees. In the event of a worker's death, the life insurance policy may provide a death benefit to the worker's survivors.
• Survivor Assistance Programs: Some employers offer survivor assistance programs that provide emotional and practical support to survivors. These programs may include grief counseling, financial planning, and legal assistance.
• Educational assistance: Some employers offer educational assistance programs that help survivors pursue higher education or vocational training.

Government Benefits

Survivors may also be eligible for government benefits, such as:

• Social Security Benefits: Survivors of workers covered by Social Security may be eligible for survivor benefits, death benefits, and child benefits.
• Benefits for veterans: Survivors of workers who were veterans may be eligible for death benefits, burial benefits, and educational assistance.
• State benefits: Some states offer state-specific benefits to survivors of workers killed in offshore accidents. These benefits may include workers' compensation benefits or compensation for crime victims.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Eligibility criteria for each type of benefit vary. Survivors should contact the appropriate government agency or insurance company to determine their eligibility.

The application process for benefits can also vary. Survivors should contact the appropriate government agency or insurance company to obtain the necessary forms and instructions.

Challenges and Resources

Survivors may face several challenges when seeking benefits. These challenges may include dealing with insurance companies or government agencies, understanding eligibility criteria, and completing the application process.

There are several resources available to help survivors navigate the application process and obtain the benefits they are entitled to. These features include:

• National Offshore Industry Safety Advisory Committee (NOISAC)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Center for Offshore Security (COS)
• International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)

Survivors of workers killed in offshore accidents may be eligible for several benefits. These benefits can help survivors cope with the financial and emotional burden of their loss. Survivors should contact the appropriate government agency or insurance company to determine their eligibility and apply for benefits.