Comp bill would provide timeline for survivor benefits

Lawmakers in New York are considering legislation that would amend workers compensation laws addressing survivor benefits for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical workers who are killed on the job.

S.B. 190, prefiled for a Jan. 8, introduction, states that all death benefits shall be paid within 90 days of when a survivor files an application with the Workers’ Compensation Board except if the employer or insurer files a “notice of controversy.”

The bill also states that the board has 90 days to notify the surviving family members “explaining  the  discrepancy and why the claim cannot be processed within the 90-day period.” It also instructs the board to conduct “outreach services.”