Workplace injuries can lead to big medical bills, lots of lost income, and ongoing physical and emotional suffering. The situation can be even more complicated for undocumented workers, who may fear that seeking compensation will put their immigration status at risk. Here’s some advice from a work injury lawyer about filing a work injury lawsuit as an undocumented worker.
Filing a Work Injury Lawsuit As an Undocumented Worker: Advice from a Work Injury Lawyer
Legal Protections for Undocumented Workers
Labor laws in the United States are designed to protect all workers, regardless of their immigration status. This means that even undocumented workers are entitled to safe working conditions: employers have an obligation to provide a safe work environment for all employees. This includes taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents and minimizing risks.
The law’s requirements for minimum wage and overtime pay also applies, since under the law, all workers are entitled to fair compensation for their work. In addition, most states have laws which make undocumented workers eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability payments.
Filing a Work Injury Lawsuit
If an employer’s negligence or unsafe practices led to a workplace injury, an undocumented worker has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Through a lawsuit, the injured worker can seek damages for medical expenses, including past, present, and future medical treatment costs related to the injury, as well as damages for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the injury.
Compensation can also be sought for lost earnings due to time missed from work, as well as potential loss of future earning capacity. Depending on the circumstances, additional damages may be available, such as those relating to disfigurement or loss of quality of life.
Should Undocumented Workers Fear Retaliation?
The fear of deportation or other repercussions often prevents undocumented workers from seeking the compensation they rightfully deserve. However, employers are prohibited from using a worker’s immigration status against them or to retaliate for reporting unsafe conditions or seeking benefits. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) generally avoid getting involved in civil workplace disputes.
The Importance of Counsel from a Work Injury Lawyer
If you are an undocumented worker who has been injured on the job, it is crucial to find out more about your rights from an experienced attorney specializing in employment law and workers’ rights. An attorney can explain the legal options available and gather evidence to build a strong case that establishes your employer’s negligence. In addition, a lawyer understands how to negotiate with insurance companies to represent your interests throughout the claims process, as well as how to navigate the potential complexities related to immigration status.
Workplace injuries can have long-lasting consequences, and you should not be afraid to hold a negligent employer accountable, regardless of your immigration status. Seeking rightful compensation can make a significant difference as you recover from your injuries and move forward, so contact a lawyer right away if you need to bring a case.
