According to recent statistics, there are between 6.4 and 8 million people who entered the country illegally and are a part of the U.S. labor force. The type of work performed by these workers is often very dangerous—they commonly work in the areas of construction, agriculture and manufacturing. Statistically, these workers comprise approximately 6 percent of the civilian workforce while suffering nearly 10 percent of work-related injuries.
Reasons for this disparity include poor training, unsafe conditions, language barriers and the unfortunate perception that immigrant workers are plentiful, unlikely to complain and expendable. Most live in fear of being identified and deported. As a result, they often do not report crimes, do not complain of abuse from their employers and do not avail themselves of the court system. They are often willing to accept any available job in order to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Representing immigrants in personal injury litigation presents numerous challenges for attorneys.
