Includes the unaccrued portion of a non-schedule award in the amounts to be payable to and for the benefit of certain persons where a claimant was entitled to death benefits at the time of death.
Impact
If enacted, A08480 could have significant implications for both workers and their families under the current workers’ compensation law. Beneficiaries of claimants who die from causes unrelated to their work-related injury would have a clearer pathway to accessing benefits that were due to the claimant prior to their passing. This aligns with the aims of the law to provide a safety net for families who rely on such economic support after a loss.
Summary
Bill A08480 seeks to amend existing workers' compensation law in New York, specifically concerning the payment of disability awards. The bill proposes to include unaccrued portions of non-schedule awards as payable to certain individuals when a claimant is entitled to benefits at the time of their death. This change aims to clarify and expand the benefits available to claimants' beneficiaries, ensuring that those who are entitled to benefits won't be denied due to circumstances surrounding the claimants' death.
Contention
Discussion around A08480 may center on the potential financial impact on the workers' compensation system as a whole. Critics might argue that expanding the pool of individuals eligible for benefits could lead to higher costs for insurers and consequently for employers. Conversely, proponents of the bill would likely advocate for the moral obligation to ensure that beneficiary claims are honored irrespective of the circumstances surrounding a claimant's death, as it supports the overall purpose of workers' compensation.
Same As
Includes the unaccrued portion of a non-schedule award in the amounts to be payable to and for the benefit of certain persons where a claimant was entitled to death benefits at the time of death.