Will workers’ compensation pay for burial expenses?

Utah Code §34A-2-418 requires the employer or insurance carrier to pay burial expenses. When a loved one dies because of an industrial accident the employer or insurance carrier must pay $9,000.00 of burial expenses. The administrative law rules allow for increases but the amount does not reflect the actual costs incurred by many families. In special circumstances, the amount can be increased either voluntarily by the employer or insurance carrier or by court order. Additional voluntary payments are not likely. Most of the time additional expenses must be ordered by a judge which may require attorney expertise and litigation. It is important to contact an attorney if a loved one dies because of a workplace accident to make sure all benefits are paying paid appropriately.