Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Even If Your Status Is In Question

Undocumented workers often work while balancing the fear and uncertainty that comes with having a questionable immigration status. Many work physically demanding jobs, yet, after a serious injury, often feel helpless and locked out of the only source of income they may have.

However, there are options. An injured worker in New Jersey may still receive workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of their immigration status. At Fedele & Honschke, our partners have decades of experience recovering compensation for workers who have been seriously injured while on the job. Operating in Ocean County and across New Jersey, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation to help pay for clients’ medical costs and living expenses after suffering a serious injury in the workplace.

Navigating The Complexities Of The Workers’ Compensation Landscape

While the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) makes it a crime for an employer to knowingly hire a person who cannot legally work in the U.S., it’s important to note that, in New Jersey, the employee can’t be denied workers’ comp simply because of immigration status.

We help undocumented workers recover:

  • Medical benefits and treatment
  • Temporary disability benefits for the duration of time the worker is unable to work
  • Compensation for permanent injuries

Some reports state that undocumented workers comprise nearly 8% of New Jersey’s workforce.* No matter the circumstances surrounding the hiring of these individuals, they are entitled to compensation if they should be injured on the job. We can see to it.

We’ll Help Protect Your Rights. Contact Us Today.

To schedule a free consultation, call 732-504-3841 or contact us online. We offer free consultations at our offices in Toms River, Forked River and Brick. Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that if you don’t get paid, neither do we.

*American Immigration Council, Fact Sheet Immigrants in New Jersey, https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-in-new-jersey

4 factors that could impact worker’s compensation claims

Several factors can influence the outcome when filing a workers' compensation claim in New Jersey. Understanding these elements can help you navigate the process more effectively and increase the chances of a more positive result. Timely reporting of injury In New...

What happens if your employer punishes you for a work comp claim? 

Many workers in Ocean County fear filing workers' compensation claims because they worry about their employer's response. If you work in healthcare and face this situation, New Jersey law offers clear protection for your rights.  What counts as workplace punishment? ...

What if your employer has no workers’ comp insurance?

Finding yourself injured on the job is already a stressful situation, but discovering that your employer doesn’t have workers' compensation insurance can add another layer of worry. You might ask, "How will I cover my medical expenses and lost wages?" Fortunately, New...