Should I Start a GoFundMe if My Loved One Died in a Chicago Construction Accident?

If you have lost a loved one to a fatal construction accident in Chicago, you may face various financial pressures. These include funeral costs, lost future wages, unpaid medical bills, and many others. In the face of these burdens, you may consider various sources of compensation. Perhaps you have heard of other families successfully starting GoFundMe pages, perhaps receiving hundreds of thousands – or even millions – of dollars. But is this really the right option for your family?

The Downsides of GoFundMe 

While GoFundMe is a valid option for families who have suffered tragedies, it has its downsides. First, it might be difficult to generate much compensation if your community does not hear about the accident. Local news stations might be uninterested in providing you with exposure, and your family might not have time to learn the various ins and outs of online marketing.

There is no real guarantee of success when it comes to GoFundMe. Unless you have a social media whiz in your family who can provide the necessary exposure, you may find that your donations are rather meager.

In addition, you may run into issues if the public finds out that you’re already receiving financial support from workers’ comp. For example, you might tell the public you need help covering funeral costs. However, workers’ compensation already covers funeral expenses. If you claim that you do not have enough to cover funeral costs on your GoFundMe page despite workers’ comp coverage, you could face allegations of fraud. It makes more sense to describe your financial needs in more broad terms.

In closing, a GoFundMe is probably more of a “last resort” for families who have lost loved ones in fatal construction accidents. Although it is certainly capable of providing financial support, a workers’ compensation claim provides more predictable assistance. If your workers’ comp claim is denied, you may then want to explore the possibility of a GoFundMe page.

That said, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago can help you appeal a denied claim. If necessary, you can continue to appeal the denied claim in higher courts. Do not simply give up hope and start a GoFundMe page because your claim was denied. Speak with a lawyer before resorting to less reliable means of compensation.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

If you have lost a loved one to a fatal construction accident, consider a consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago. Although a GoFundMe page might seem like an obvious choice, it probably makes more sense to focus on a workers’ comp claim first and foremost. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from seeking this type of compensation if you wait too long. This is why it might be best to contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

gofundme.com/en-ca/c/questions

fastercapital.com/topics/the-pros-and-cons-of-gofundme.html