Undocumented Construction Workers in New York are at Risk for Serious Injury

Everyone knows that US citizens have important rights when it comes to employment. They can only be terminated for specific reasons and can pursue compensation if they become injured at their workplace. But what about undocumented workers in New York’s construction industry? If you know anything about New York, you are aware that there are many undocumented workers on construction sites across the state. So what happens if they become injured? Do they enjoy the same rights? Can they file workers’ compensation claims?

Examples of Immigrant Workers Injured at New York Construction Accidents

On January 5, 2023, it was reported that at least one construction union in New York City was reaching out to undocumented and non-union workers in the area. This was a controversial move, as many contractors preferred to have undocumented, ununionized workers on their payroll. Because these workers have fewer rights and their legal status is questionable, many contractors can get away with mistreating them and subjecting them to dangerous conditions. Some complained about working with asbestos, while others claim that they were told to find other work because their employers did not want to pay for insurance after strings of accidents.

On December 19, 2022, a construction worker died after falling from a third-floor scaffolding in Brooklyn. This was hardly the first time this had happened. In 2017, an Ecuadorian migrant fell from a Manhattan skyscraper, plummeting 29 stories before impacting a scaffold. The Observer reported that nine workers had lost their lives while working at heights – one of the deadliest years for this type of accident. In some cases, workers fell 65 feet to their deaths.

Can Undocumented Migrants File Workers’ Comp Claims?

Fortunately, New York is a fairly liberal state when it comes to undocumented workers. This means that it is the government’s official policy to let undocumented workers file workers’ comp claims – just like “legal workers.” Unfortunately, many undocumented migrants are completely unaware of this fact, and they simply accept the cost of their injuries without going through the proper claims process. If you have been injured in a New York construction accident, you should get in touch with a workers’ comp attorney and pursue compensation – even if you are a so-called “illegal immigrant.”

Where Can I Find a Qualified Workers’ Comp Attorney in New York?

If you have been searching for a workers’ comp attorney in New York, look no further than the Glassman Law Group. We know how dangerous New York’s construction industry can be, and we are well aware of the number of accidents plaguing the state over the years. If you have been injured at your worksite, be sure to book a consultation at your earliest convenience. You should also get in touch if you have lost a family member in a fatal New York construction accident. Reach out today to pursue compensation.