Do Rhode Island workers' compensation benefits include death benefits?

• A. No, death benefits are never provided
• B. Yes, death benefits may be included for dependents if death results from work-related injury
• C. Yes, but death benefits are limited to medical expenses
• D. Yes, separate death benefits may apply

Answer: (B)

Death benefits are provided in Rhode Island workers’ compensation when a worker dies as a result of a work-related injury or occupational disease. These benefits are paid to eligible dependents and are designed to replace lost family income, often including a burial expense component as part of the coverage. The crucial idea is the connection between the death and a work-related cause, which is what triggers the entitlement for dependents.

This is why the correct choice states that dependents may receive death benefits if the death results from a work-related injury. The other options don’t fit: death benefits do exist (A), they aren’t limited only to medical expenses (C), and saying “separate death benefits may apply” (D) is too vague and doesn’t specify dependents or the work-related cause.