Even undocumented workers can get Minnesota workers’ compensation

Your employer has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Depending on where you work, their obligations could range from maintaining safe and secure facilities to providing safety equipment. Unfortunately, many companies are more than happy to cut corners when it comes to the safety of their staff.

The same companies that will gladly hire undocumented workers are also likely to violate employment laws in other ways, such as taking inadequate steps to protect their workers. Undocumented workers are at significant risk if they suffer an injury, particularly if they don’t know their rights.

A company could try misrepresenting the rights of their workers or attempting to penalize an employee who seeks the benefits they deserve under the law, which is why injured workers without immigration visas need to take great care to protect themselves.

Undocumented workers should still receive medical benefits

Regardless of someone’s citizenship status, their employment means that they have paid in to the workers’ compensation system. They deserve the benefits that can offset the financial consequences of an injury on the job, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Sadly, some employers and even some insurance companies will try to shirk their obligations by denying claims based on immigration status or even reporting undocumented workers who seek the benefits available through workers’ compensation. Making a legal complaint about a worker seeking benefits could be a form of retaliation.

Partnering with an attorney familiar with workers’ compensation and the rights of immigrants can make it easier for you to navigate the complex process of getting the benefits you need after a workplace injury regardless of your immigration status or any language barrier that may exist.