Are Illegal Immigrants Entitled to Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

by

Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated November 21, 2014 In Workers Compensation

Most employees in Tennessee have a right to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they’re injured on the job, but what about illegal immigrants? Do they have the same right to these benefits as legal workers? The Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers with Ponce Law explain a recent court decision says yes.

A recent report from HR.BLR.com states the Tennessee Court of Appeals has ruled illegal immigrants have the same right to file a workers’ compensation claim as any other worker.

There are four reasons for the decision. First, there’s an exception to the state’s at-will employment laws that prohibit employers from firing employees for filing workers’ compensation claims. Undocumented workers are also not excluded from the definition of “employee” outlined in state workers’ compensation laws and these individuals are allowed to file suits in other courts.

The court was also concerned that a ruling prohibiting illegal immigrants from filing workers’ compensation claims could lead to increasingly dangerous work environments.

So where should you begin if you’ve been injured on the job? Hiring an attorney is a great first step.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers and can do the same for you. Call us at 615-244-4321 to speak with our legal team.