Ashton Utilities & Septic Tank Co. v. Irwin

The employer/carrier appeal an order finding that the deceased worker’s parents are entitled to dependency benefits. We reverse.

The deputy commissioner found that the deceased contributed to a “family pot” and that the family relied on these contributions to maintain its standard of living. Relying on Ledger v. Geiger-Jones Construction, 329 So.2d 3 (Fla.1976), and Floriland Farms v. Peterman, 131 So.2d 477 (Fla.1961), he determined that the parents were dependent upon the deceased worker and entitled to death benefit's under Section 440.16, Florida Statutes (1979).

The flaw in the deputy…