When an injured worker dies of a industrial injury; Who is automatically presumed dependent? (at the time of injury)

• A. The spouse
• B. The grandparents
• C. Any child under 18 years of age
• D. Any child under 16 years of age

Answer: (C)

In California workers’ compensation, there is an automatic presumption of dependency for certain relatives when determining death benefits. Specifically, a child under 18 years of age is deemed a dependent of the injured worker at the time of injury. This means minor children are automatically eligible for death benefits without needing to prove the worker supported them.

This is why the correct choice is a child under 18—the law treats them as dependents by default. Spouse and other relatives aren’t automatically presumed dependent; their status generally requires showing actual support or meeting other criteria. Grandparents, for example, aren’t automatically considered dependents.