Bill Would Allow Nondependent Family Members to Collect Unpaid Benefits

A Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill that would allow certain nondependent family members to collect benefits that had accrued but not been paid before a worker died from causes unrelated to his or her claim. Missouri law declares that a worker's death does not affect the liability of the employer to provide compensation that has accrued and become payable at the time of death. Accrued and unpaid compensation shall be paid to the injured worker's dependents or a personal representative. HB 2983 would also allow benefits to be paid to family members, which would be defined to include...