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Let Us Be Your Voice

The melting pot that is New York would not be the same without you. You may have come to this concrete jungle with very little. You left everything behind to afford a better life for your loved ones and take advantage of opportunities disguised as hard work. No job was too tedious, degrading, or menial. With determination, you worked hard, hustled, and made your dreams come true.

Regardless of nationality, isn’t that the true spirit of a New Yorker? You may not have been born in New York, but your worth ethic resembles ours.

It is, therefore, nothing short of devastating to be injured while on the job. Whether hanging from a high-rise building, or enduring extreme conditions in the back of a high-end restaurant kitchen, an injury on the job can set you back financially in a significant way. You might be entitled to compensation where you were hurt while working. Contact a New York Workers Compensation attorney from O’Connor Law to discuss your options.

The Facts Don’t Lie

You’ve been called an “illegal immigrant” or “alien” and have had the land of your birth insulted.

Let’s remove the stigma and avoid the pejorative verbiage. You are simply an undocumented worker. This means that you are an individual who either crossed a U.S. border into the country unchecked or who once had legal status but now does not.

Whether your employer admits it or not, they need you. New York boasts a significant population of undocumented workers.

  • Compared to the City’s population of Americans born in the country, more than three-quarters (77.5%) of unauthorized immigrants are employed, while 64.9% of the U.S. population is employed.
  • Undocumented immigrants earn much less on average ($25,300) than citizens born in the United States ($45,500) while having higher labor market participation and higher educational attainment.
  • Undocumented immigrants have a higher rate of poverty than other immigrants because they are not generally eligible for public services.
  • The City depends on undocumented immigrants. A little over 1 million residents of New York reside in a home where there is at least one unauthorized immigrant.

The Big Apple is nothing without the diversity of culture that you provide.

Mexican, Asian, Jamaican, Trinidadian or Guyanese? New York Law Protects Undocumented Workers

Regardless of your immigration status, there is protection under the law as a worker because the laws were established to deter companies from abusing undocumented workers. Your employer may be saving on labor costs by paying you a pittance. He is not allowed to escape liability as well when he is at fault.

Sadly, there are instances where companies will create a justification to fire an employee who is attempting to use their workers’ compensation benefits. This is particularly true if the employer thinks there won’t be any consequences for the action taken by the employee because they don’t have legal status.

Don’t let your employer trick you into believing you have no right to bring a claim for compensation for an injury you sustained while on the job.

Undocumented or documented employees in New York are both eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as long as the necessary conditions are satisfied. New York employees, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits in the state. Make an appointment with us to discuss where you stand.

According to the Workers’ Compensation Law of New York, almost anyone volunteering their time to a for-profit organization will be considered an employee and be eligible for the resource that workers’ compensation insurance offers. Benefits should not be denied to undocumented workers or affect their immigration status.

Do Not Accept the First Offer from Your Boss

Please speak to us before making any hasty decisions so we can assess your case. These conditions must hold to get workers’ compensation benefits:

  • You have a work-related illness or injury.
  • This insurance covers your employer. Most employers in New York are required by law to hold workers’ compensation insurance.
  • You submit your injury report and claim by the necessary timeframes.

While workers must meet the above standards to submit a claim, they don’t need to provide documentation of their immigrant status. Your immigration status will not impact your eligibility for workers’ compensation if you are an undocumented employee who has been wounded on the job.

Find us at:

O’Connor Law PLLC
7 Woodland Ave Ste 10,
Larchmont, NY 10538

Resources

Our New York nannies, gardeners, dishwashers, and chefs. We at O’Connor Law salute you! We share your determination and passion to get the job done, and we will fight for you. You don’t have to be in hiding. Your communication with us will be entirely confidential and privileged. Your case review is on us, so don’t delay any longer. Let us be your voice.

Experience

Our legal team has a detailed knowledge of New York workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law, including a unique perspective gained from our founder’s past experience serving as defense counsel for dozens of workers’ compensation insurance firms. You can rest easy knowing that we have the skills necessary to handle your claim.

Reputation

Our firm’s reputation is unparalleled throughout the Big Apple. When you choose to work with us, you’re getting the benefit of respected representation from one of the leading workers’ compensation and Social Security disability firms in the state.

Commitment

At O’Connor Law, we understand how vital our work is to your future. We’re committed to fighting for your right to benefits while providing you with the support you need to navigate this difficult time in your life. You will always feel like you are our top priority.

Results

We’re compassionate and empathetic, but far from being a pushover. We’re an iron fist in a velvet glove and will aggressively advocate for your interests—even if that means litigation is necessary to protect your right to benefits.

Protecting New Yorkers is what we do.

Our Process

Discuss your case (for free)

  • Meet briefly to learn more
  • Discuss your injuries or disability
  • Determine if we can help

We file your claim

  • Pay nothing upfront
  • No fee until you win
  • Feel confident with a legal team in your corner

We deal with the insurance company

  • We respond to requests and negotiate on your behalf
  • If they don’t play ball, we fight it out in court

You get the outcome you deserve

  • Get the compensation you’re entitled to
  • Ditch the stress
  • Get back to normal and living your life

Frequently Asked Questions

If I tell you that I am undocumented, will you report me?

As an undocumented construction worker, you cannot be deported for bringing a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation claim. By requesting workers’ compensation benefits, you and your family are protected by the law against deportation and other adverse consequences.

My boss told me I can’t file a claim because I’m not an American citizen. Is this true?

State labor regulations are applicable to both legally and illegally employed people, according to a decision by the New York Court of Appeals. You, therefore, share the same worker rights with Americans who hold jobs similar to yours.

Do I have to establish negligence?

To qualify for workers’ compensation as an undocumented worker, you do not need to demonstrate negligence on the part of your boss. Instead, you or your attorney will just need to prove that your illness or injury occurred while you were working.

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