Over the years, studies have shown that Latino immigrants are consistently at a high risk for workplace fatalities. One of the most recent studies showed that Latino workers suffer from fatalities at a rate of 3.7 per 100,000. For other workers, the rate is 3.5. To make matters worse, the numbers are increasing. Research showed that 70 more Latino workers died in 2018 than in 2017.
Latino immigrants are particularly at risk. In fact, nearly 80% of all the Latino workers who died in Florida in 2018 were immigrants. Construction workers suffer from the highest levels of fatalities, followed by drivers, farm workers and maintenance workers. These groups also suffer from high levels of workplace injuries, which can lead many Latino immigrants to apply for workers’ comp.
Every year, the number of fatalities among Latino workers climbs to new heights with the number reaching 961 in 2018. To combat these statistics, the labor organization AFL-CIO has urged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate these issues and launch new initiatives to protect the health and safety of Latino immigrant workers. They also want OSHA to set stricter safety standards that will create a safer workplace for Latino workers across the country.
Are Latino immigrant workers eligible for workers’ comp?
If you’re a Latino immigrant who’s been injured on the job, you might be wondering if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Hiring an attorney might help you secure your compensation and protect yourself from employer retaliation.
An attorney may be able to answer your questions and educate you about the rights that you have as an immigrant and an employee. The attorney may also help you file for workers’ comp after you’ve been injured to receive the maximum compensation.
If your employer refuses to give you disability benefits, an attorney might help you bring the case to court. Some employers will back down when they see that an employee is backed by a licensed attorney. Your attorney may be able to help you negotiate for a fair amount and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
