§ 9-689. Funeral benefits

   (a) In general. -- The employer or its insurer shall pay reasonable funeral expenses of a deceased covered employee, not exceeding $ 7,000, if the covered employee died as a result of:

   (1) an accidental personal injury, within 7 years of the accidental personal injury; or

   (2) an occupational disease.

(b) Funeral expenses of more than $7,000. -- Unless approved by the Commission, a bill for funeral expenses of more than $ 7,000 is void and uncollectable out of:

   (1) workers' compensation benefits payable with respect to the deceased covered employee; or

   (2) personal assets of any person to whom workers' compensation benefits are payable with respect to the deceased covered employee.

(c) No dependents. -- If there are no dependents, the employer or its insurer shall pay the expenses of the last sickness and funeral expenses of the covered employee.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 101, § 22, 37; 1991, ch. 8, § 2; ch. 21, § 5; 1998, ch. 725; 2011, chs. 435, 436.