GQ Corner

Q. I have a fatality where the deceased is from another country.  Would the cost to transport the body be considered part of the $10,000 funeral allowance or a separate expense?

A. The amount of the burial and transportation costs are capped at $10,000 for burial expenses based on a compensable injury occurring on or after 9-1-15.  However, the person who incurred liability for the costs of transporting the body of the employee is entitled to be reimbursed for the reasonable cost of transportation if the employee died away from the usual place of employment.  Thus, the answer comes down to whether the employee died away from his usual place of employment.  

Q. If a claimant requires a Spanish translator, are we required to set that up for the designated doctor’s exam?

A. The carrier is not required to set up a translator in conjunction with a DD exam nor is the carrier liable for the cost of the translator.