At Pullano & Siporin, we are proud to be considered one of Illinois’ leading personal injury law firms. We are dedicated to fighting for justice and standing up for workers’ rights, no matter their background. Whether holding negligent companies accountable or advocating for those often overlooked or marginalized, our mission is to ensure every client receives the justice and compensation they deserve, regardless of their immigration status, race, or socioeconomic standing.
In a significant case that highlights the importance of justice and equality, we recently secured a $1.5 million settlement for an undocumented worker who suffered severe injuries in a construction accident. This victory represents more than financial compensation. It reinforces the vital principle that every worker, regardless of immigration status, deserves equal protection and justice.
The Case: Overcoming the Odds
Our client, a hard-working construction worker, sustained life-altering injuries to his back and knee when a commercial vehicle struck him on-site. The injuries left him unable to work for two years, forcing him to return to the workforce on lighter duty for reduced pay. Despite the clear impact on his life and livelihood, the defense mounted an aggressive campaign to avoid accountability.
Not only did they contest liability, but they also sought to downplay the severity of his injuries, suggesting they were merely soft tissue and had minimal effect on his ability to work. They even resorted to intrusive surveillance, following him to his home, local shops, outings with his family, and even his workplace, in an attempt to undermine his case.
Most shockingly, the defense argued that, as an undocumented worker, he should not be entitled to claim future wage losses. Or, if he were, his compensation should be limited to what he might earn in his native Mexico, a fraction of U.S. wages.
Fighting for Fairness
This argument was deeply unjust, if not legally tenuous. Our client was brought to the United States as a child, attended school here, and spent a decade paying taxes and contributing to the economy before his injury. His story, like so many others, is one of resilience and hard work, building a life for himself and his family, including his U.S. citizen wife and their two children.
Exposing the Hypocrisy Over Exploited Workers
The defense’s position ignored a critical truth: the contractor had willingly employed our client, benefiting from his labor for many years. When he was healthy, his undocumented status posed no issue at all to his employer. It was only when he was injured and sought justice that his immigration status suddenly became a convenient excuse to diminish his rights.
The personal injury lawyers at Pullano & Siporin presented compelling evidence, including employment records and tax documents, that painted a clear picture of our client’s contributions and the defense’s hypocrisy. Ultimately, the defense chose to settle rather than face a jury, agreeing to the $1.5 million settlement.
A Bigger Picture: Protecting All Workers
This case sheds light on a broader issue: undocumented workers are a vital part of the U.S. economy, with over 8 million individuals supporting critical industries that keep the nation moving. Remarkably, they make up approximately 4.8% of the entire U.S. workforce.
Yet, when they are injured, they often face significant barriers to justice. Fear of deportation or exploitation by employers deters many from pursuing claims, leaving dangerous practices unchecked and job sites unsafe.
Deterrence Through Justice
The civil justice system must echo this commitment. Allowing full wage-loss claims for undocumented workers ensures fairness and acts as a deterrent for negligent companies. If businesses know they cannot exploit loopholes based on immigration status, they are more likely to prioritize safety and create better working conditions for all.
The Political Landscape’s Impact on Immigrant Workers
The Biden Administration’s policy to protect undocumented whistleblowers from deportation marked a significant step forward. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a streamlined and expedited process for noncitizen workers who are victims of or witnesses to labor rights violations to request deferred action. This protection shielded them from immigration-related retaliation by exploitative employers, prioritizing workplace safety for everyone – immigrants and citizens alike.
However, with Trump’s presidential victory, the plight of immigrant workers has come to the forefront once again. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to protect these vulnerable members of our workforce and ensure they have access to justice without fear of reprisal or deportation.
Standing Up for What’s Right
At Pullano & Siporin, we believe justice should not be contingent on immigration status. Workers who contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and put in honest labor deserve the same protections as everyone else. Our client showed incredible bravery in pursuing his claim, and we are honored to have fought on his behalf.
This victory is a reminder that the fight for fairness and safety extends beyond individual cases. As a society, we must ensure that all workers – regardless of where they were born – are treated with dignity and respect. Only then can we create a workplace culture that values everyone’s safety and contributions equally.
Let Us Help You Seek the Justice You Deserve
If you or someone you know has been injured on the job, you can trust our experienced team of personal injury attorneys to stand by your side and fight for your rights. With over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we provide exceptional legal expertise and a strategic approach tailored to each case.
Renowned for our dedication and proven track record of success, we are proud to be a trusted leader in personal injury law throughout Chicago and Illinois.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
