I am in this country illegally, but I got hurt on the job. Am I still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits?

Yes. Under North Carolina Law, you are entitled to all workers’ compensation benefits, the same as an American citizen. Some people, U.S. Citizens, get aggravated when they hear this; however, it is our experience that most of the companies that hire these immigrants are well aware of their illegal status. Many of them work in very dangerous jobs.

We believe that when a company knowingly hires an illegal immigrant, and they get hurt on the job, the law should not allow the company to simply toss that employee aside. The Legislature in North Carolina agrees with us on this point—that is why they are entitled to benefits.

The only major difference with illegal immigrants relates to vocational rehabilitation; however, that is beyond the scope of our discussion here.