Yes, an undocumented immigrant can make a personal injury claim. This article will analyze from a legal point of view what an undocumented person must do in order to receive compensation for their injuries.
“WHAT DO I NEED TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR MY INJURIES IF I AM UNDOCUMENTED?”
Proving that an accident occurred is crucial to receive compensation regardless of the origin of the injury, the severity of the damage, or the immigration status of the people involved.
Another thing that an undocumented immigrant needs if seeking to receive compensation is to hire an attorney. This is especially important for the undocumented who suffered injuries during their workday.
In the case of Ontario, Cornwall personal injury lawyers do their part to guide the undocumented person to a safe path. Their assistance includes at least two aspects: the requirements for legal proceedings and advising the victim during his medical treatment.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LEGAL PROCEDURES IN CASES OF UNDOCUMENTED VICTIMS
The main requirement to start a case is to demonstrate the link between the undocumented immigrant and the employer. Generally, people who work illegally receive cash payments. Therefore, it is crucial to hire an attorney who knows how to gather the company’s tax returns and reports.
WHEN THE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT RECEIVES MEDICAL ATTENTION, THEY NEED A LAWYER
Cornwall personal injury lawyers are used to advising their undocumented clients, so they can avoid making mistakes during their medical treatment.
After a workplace accident occurs, the employer usually promises the victim that they will cover all of their medical expenses if they lie about the cause of the accident. Unfortunately, the employer then fires their employee, and the employer’s promises vanish into nothing.
If the undocumented immigrant concealed the origin of their accident in the medical report, there is nothing a personal injury attorney can do. That is why the undocumented person needs to seek advice before making verbal deals with their employer.
ARE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS FORCED TO SUE FOR THEIR INJURIES?
No, they are not. The decision to file a personal injury claim rests solely with the affected party. A lawyer can advise the immigrant, but in the end, the decision to sue or not is only in the hands of the victim.
Note: The victim/client confidentiality guarantees the undocumented person that they will not be reported as such if they hire a lawyer and decide not to initiate legal proceedings.
REASONS WHY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SHOULD HIRE A LAWYER TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR THEIR INJURIES
THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS WILL EXPIRE
The statute of limitations are conditions imposed by law to take legal action for a personal injury. Most of them are time-based. Therefore, illegal immigrants need to act quickly in order to receive compensation. There is not much time.
CONSEQUENCES ON THEIR FUTURE ECONOMIC STABILITY
Many immigrants indeed avoid suing because they think it could negatively affect them. However, it is also important to remember that medical expenses would make the undocumented person earn less and less money, to a point where their decision of not to sue could force them to return to their home country because they cannot support themself.
INJURED UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS!
Regardless of the severity of their injuries or the progress in their immigration process, all injured undocumented immigrants deserve justice, and Cornwall personal injury lawyers are experts at getting it for their clients.