If, as the result of the negligence of an employer, or of a person for whose negligence an employer is liable under section 901, an employee is instantly killed or dies without conscious suffering, the surviving spouse or, if the employee leaves no surviving spouse, the next of kin, who, at the time of the employee's death, were dependent upon the wages of the employee for support, have a right of action for damages against the employer. [1991, c. 885, Pt. A, §8(NEW); 1991, c. 885, Pt. A, §§9-11(AFF).]
39-A M.R.S. § 903