Warning for undocumented employees in Michigan

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You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

Getting hurt on-the-job can lead to a denied workers’ compensation claim and even deportation.

NPR published a sad article about undocumented employees and workers’ compensation. How some employers and insurance companies are taking advantage of people hurt on-the-job. It follows the story of several immigrants who have faced deportation after standing up for their legal rights.

Immigration reform has been a hot topic for many years but workers’ compensation benefits for undocumented employees has not received much attention. NPR points out that employment of unauthorized workers is a reality in the American economy. Thousands of people are working dangerous jobs for little pay.

Asking for workers’ compensation benefits should not subject an otherwise law abiding employee to criminal fraud charges and/or possible deportation. We simply need to do better as a society.

Michigan was specifically mentioned in the NPR article as a state that allows employers to dispute payment of wage loss benefits. This is a relatively new defense tactic and its application does not make any sense.

Michigan courts have found that undocumented immigrants can enter into a valid contract of hire and be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, payment of wage loss stops when the employer discovers he or she is no longer able to work because of the commission of a crime. Specifically, violating federal law and being an undocumented worker. It should also be noted that the employer maintains protection from lawsuits under the exclusive remedy provision.

Michigan law does cover the payment of medical benefits. All reasonable, necessary, and related treatment should be paid. We have seen some employers refuse to make a claim and threaten deportation. Unfortunately, this is now becoming a sad reality. We recommend contacting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if this occurs.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

Switching doctors while on workers’ compensation

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by jnn1776.

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.