Spouses whose loved one died in a workplace accident could see an increase in workers’ compensation benefits

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Tennessee lawmakers want to give someone whose spouse dies on the job more money.

Under the state’s workers’ compensation laws, if your husband or wife dies while at work, you can get up to half of their average weekly pay. But Rep. Ron Gant, R-Rossville, wants to increase that amount to two-thirds. So if a person made $1,000 a week, instead of a maximum of $500, they could be eligible for up to $667.

And Gant says that’s not the only change he wants to make through his proposed legislation, HB 396.

“The big thing it does is it removes a remarriage as a terminating event regarding workers’ compensation death benefits,” said Gant.

In the case where a widow or widower remarries, they’d be given one lump sum worth roughly half of their husband’s or wife’s annual salary. 

The measure sailed through the House Commerce Committee this week. Chairman Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, says the bill is a no-brainer.

“No need for them to be financially penalized just because they find another mate in life. I think that this is a good piece of policy,” said Vaughan.

The Senate has already passed a version of the legislation. A House vote could take place as soon as next week.