Undocumented New York Construction Workers Settle Accident Lawsuits For Nearly $4M

Several undocumented New York construction workers, two from Mexico and another from Ecuador, have recently settled separate construction accident lawsuits for approximately $3.85 million. Contrary to what many people believe, undocumented workers are entitled to the same rights as documented workers.

Unsafe conditions equate to big settlements

Several New York construction accidents lawsuits involving undocumented workers who worked in unsafe conditions have recently settled out of court for approximately $3.85 million. Here are the details on each according to a news report from CNN:

• $2.5M: A 33 year old undocumented Mexican plumber was scalded by hot water and suffered severe and permanent injuries. He settled his lawsuit for $2.5 million.
• $750,000: A 52 year old undocumented Mexican construction worker was severely injured when a steel beam fell on his lower body. He settled his lawsuit for $750,000.
• $600,000. A 36 year old Ecuadorian construction worker fractured his hip and suffered other injuries when construction materials fell on him. He settled his lawsuit for $600,000.

Although it is illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers, the fact is that many continue to do so. Those workers are often required to work in unsafe conditions and generally have a greater risk of injury. Once hired, undocumented workers have the same rights as other employees such as being paid minimum wage and overtime, receiving health protection, workplace safety and the right to sue for injuries.

Construction accident damages

When construction workers, documented or undocumented, are injured in a construction accident, they may be entitled to damages for lost earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitative expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, impairment of quality of enjoyment of life and others.

In fact, New York's Scaffold Law makes building owners and contractors strictly liable for violations of the law – which particularly helps construction workers from the Hispanic community who routinely suffer the greatest injuries of any minority in the industry.

If you've been injured in a construction accident, contact an experienced injury lawyer to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.