11 Things You Need to Know About Asbestos Claims and the Alberta Worker’s Compensation Board

1. You are required to apply for WCB if you believe you were exposed to asbestos through your employment. An action against an employer or a third party is not permitted. See an excerpt of the applicable legislation here.

   

2. 92.63% of Alberta workers are covered by WCB as all contract and part time employees are included. This is the highest percentage of worker coverage by province in Canada.
3. The maximum amount paid to a worker, former or current, suffering from mesothelioma is just over $102,000 for 2023. This is called a non-economic loss payment (NERP) and is not contingent on earnings.
4. If a worker is entitled to a non-economic loss, their spouse is also entitled to a fatality award if the percentage and amount awarded previously was less than 100%. There are also benefits payable to spouses and depended children if the injured person was a wage earner at the time of diagnosis.
5. Medical expenses and home care costs are covered if deemed necessary by the Compensation Board. The WCB adjuster must approve costs of care in advance.
6. No loss of earnings benefits are paid after age 65. If you were diagnosed while working after age 65 benefits are paid for a maximum of five years. IF entitlement to wage loss benefits is granted coverage is 90%. The maximum earning for this formula is currently just over $92,000.00.
7. If you require hospitalization, WCB Alberta will only pay the ward room rate. If you want a semi-private or private room, those costs will be your responsibility.
8. Grief Counselling is available to spouses and dependent children for up to 24 months.
9. Funeral and Burial expenses will be covered by WCB to a maximum of $16,900.00 as well as an initial lump sum payment in the amount of $2,457.50 to cover incidentals. If transportation of the body to the place of burial is required, that expense will be covered if pre-approved.
10. If you believe that a decision made by WCB is wrong and you wish to seek reconsideration, you have a one-year time limit to do so.
11. And finally, any benefits paid by WCB Alberta are non-taxable.

If someone you love has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma and you are seeking more information, please contact us. We will get back to you regardless of office hours.