What is the primary factor in determining death benefits for dependents under Colorado Workers' Compensation?

In Colorado Workers' Compensation, the primary factor in determining death benefits for dependents is the average weekly wage of the deceased employee. This is a key element because workers' compensation is designed to provide financial support based on the earnings of the worker prior to their death. The average weekly wage calculation ensures that benefits are fairly aligned with what the deceased was earning, thus providing some continuity of income for the dependents.

The benefits are typically a percentage of this average weekly wage, reflecting the lost income due to the worker's untimely passing from a work-related incident. This approach helps to ensure that the dependents receive appropriate support relative to the economic contributions of the deceased, taking into account the typical income level at which they were employed.

While the other options may seem relevant, they do not directly determine the benefits in the same manner as the average weekly wage. For instance, the weekly wage at the time of death could be variable and not fully representative, total savings are not typically factored into the compensation calculations, and while the number of dependents may influence the final benefit payout, it is subordinate to the calculation based on the average weekly wage. This highlights the system's reliance on measurable income as the core determinant for benefits distribution.