Does Workers’ Comp Cover Undocumented Workers?
It is well known that undocumented immigrants make up a significant percentage of New York’s workforce. Data shows that undocumented workers contribute over $40 billion to the state’s economy and pay over $1 billion in taxes every year.
Despite these contributions, many undocumented workers are taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers and are unfairly deprived of the benefits they are entitled to.
The truth is that New York’s workers’ compensation system covers documented as well as undocumented workers. In the event of a work-related injury, you have the right to file a claim and recover compensatory damages.
How Your Employer Might Try to Deny Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you suffer a work-related injury, your employer might offer you a cash payout in order to persuade you against filing a workers’ compensation claim. They might also tell you that if you file a claim, they would terminate you, report you to immigration authorities, and get you deported.
The fact is that your employer does not have the right or authority to do any of these things. Under New York law, you have the right to receive the same kind of benefits that documented workers are entitled to. Moreover, it is against the law for your employer to terminate you or retaliate against you in any way for filing a workers’ comp claim, including trying to impact your status.
What You Should Do If You Suffer a Work-Related Injury
If you have suffered a work-related injury, it is critical to contact an experienced New York workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you can. This is important because if a third-party’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you might be entitled to compensatory damages – in addition to what you receive through the workers’ compensation program.
The attorney can take care of all the paperwork involved, file the workers’ comp claim in a timely manner, and take steps to expedite the claims process. In case your claim gets rejected, the attorney can appeal the decision and make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Apart from this, the attorney can also file a tort claim against the third party that contributed to your injuries and seek damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might be able get a substantial settlement – far more than what you are entitled to receive under the workers’ compensation program.
Suffered a Work-Related Injury? Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You!
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we are committed to fighting for the rights of undocumented workers who contribute so much to our state.
If you have suffered a work-related injury, we can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to. We can also investigate your case, find out if any third party can be held liable for your injuries, and bring a civil claim against them to make sure you are adequately compensated for your injuries.
Led by Michael S. Lamonsoff – one of the most accomplished civil litigators in the state today – our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience and has recovered over half a billion dollars in monetary damages for our clients.
To discuss your claim with a profound New York workers’ compensation attorney, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.