Undocumented immigrants are people of other nationalities who are residing in the United States without a valid immigration status such as a work visa or a green card. Often, undocumented immigrants do not speak out about injuries they’ve sustained. They suffer in silence because they believe they don’t have the same rights that American citizens enjoy or out of fear that if they speak up, they could be deported. However, all people under Georgia law have the right to seek justice and compensation for their losses, regardless of immigration status.
Undocumented Immigrants and Personal Injury Claims
In the state of Georgia, if you were injured as a result of another person’s negligence, regardless of immigration status, you have the right to seek and recover damages. However, in cases of undocumented immigrants especially, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. There is no distinction between the damages a citizen and a noncitizen plaintiff can recover. Moreover, in cases involving vehicle accidents, you may still be able to collect even if you didn’t hold a valid driver’s license or vehicle insurance at the time of the injury.
Undocumented Immigrants and Injuries at the Workplace
If an undocumented immigrant is hurt on the job, even without a valid work visa, they still have the right to seek compensation. In some cases, workers’ compensation may even be available to undocumented immigrants. In every case, a personal injury lawsuit is an option to injured workers regardless of immigration status. Undocumented immigrant workers always have the right to seek justice and compensation for their injuries.
Will Seeking Compensation for an Injury Get You Deported?
No, seeking compensation for an injury will not have an effect on an undocumented immigrant’s immigration status or result in any sort of consequences relating to immigration. Georgia courts have ruled that immigration status is not only irrelevant in personal injury cases, but inadmissible, meaning that judges will not be biased towards you based on the lack of immigration status and the jury will never even know that the plaintiff is undocumented. However, regardless of whether the injury involves the workplace or not, it is best practice for everyone, especially undocumented immigrants, to seek the assistance and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Fayetteville Undocumented Immigrant Personal Injury Attorney
The team at Richard D. Hobbs & Associates knows the precarious situation that undocumented immigrants find themselves in, and know that sensitivity is of the utmost importance when handling cases for clients that are undocumented immigrants. However, we strongly believe that regardless of immigration status, every person deserves justice and a chance to be heard. Undocumented immigrants deserve to hold those who injure them as a result of negligence accountable and collect for their losses. Our office is based in Fayetteville but the attorneys at Richard D. Hobbs & Associates proudly represent clients across the great state of Georgia in all sorts of personal injury matters. Regardless of immigration status, allow us to help you get you the justice you deserve. There is no upfront cost for our services. We do not get paid unless you see rightful compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation!