You Have the Right to Seek Compensation, Regardless of Citizenship Status
As a non-citizen in New York, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Under state law, everyone injured in New York has the right to seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Your citizenship or immigration status does not disqualify you from filing a personal injury lawsuit. New York courts firmly establish that you are fully entitled to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. These legal protections apply to:
- U.S. citizens
- Legal permanent residents
- Visa holders
- Undocumented immigrants
If you are hurt on the job, workers’ compensation is also available to protect you. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you file a claim and access benefits while you recover, without impacting your immigration status.
| Immigration / Legal Status | Right to File Injury Lawsuit in NY? | Right to Recover Medical Costs & Pain/Suffering? | Right to Claim Lost Wages? |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Green Card / Legal Permanent Resident | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Visa Holder (H-1B, Student, Tourist) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Undocumented / Non-Citizen | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Injury?
A serious injury can impact your health, family, and financial stability. However, you have the right to seek financial relief that can help rebuild your life. Depending on your situation, it’s possible to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical bills: Covers emergency care, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and all future treatments
- Lost wages: Replaces income from the time you missed at work due to your injuries, as well as future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering: Compensates for your physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability: Addresses long-term physical limitations or life-altering disfigurements
In rare cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
With relentless New York grit, our attorneys stand up for working families. Our clients can attest that they fight for the compensation they’re entitled to. Connect with our team to learn more about what compensation may be available to you.
Common Misconceptions About Filing as a Non-Citizen
Many injured individuals are afraid to file claims. But even if you are not a U.S. citizen, you have the right to seek compensation after an injury. If you are an immigrant who is afraid to file a claim, you are not alone. But we don’t want your fear to keep you from seeking justice.
Worry That You Will Be Deported
Fear That Your Immigration Status Will Be Revealed
Worry that You Cannot Afford a Lawyer
Our New York personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front to hire us. We only get paid if we secure compensation for your claim. We also offer free initial case evaluations and consultations and there is no obligation to work with us after your free appointment.
Fear That Insurance Companies Will Reject Your Claim Because of Your Status
The Sanders Law Firm Approach
For over 50 years, our trial-trained attorneys have recovered billions of dollars in case results for injured New Yorkers, including non-citizens from dozens of countries. Because we prepare every case for court, we protect you from lowball settlement offers and unfair treatment from insurance adjusters. Insurance companies know that we have the financial strength and courtroom experience to take cases to trial, giving us leverage at the negotiation table.
When you work with us, we handle the legal legwork, so you can concentrate on your health and recovery. The Sanders Law Firm provides direct support in Spanish, French, Russian, Korean, and other languages, so you understand your options at every step, and there is no misinterpretation of important paperwork.
Built for the New York legal landscape, our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you on your next steps.
What Happens Next
Your path to recovery starts with a simple, confidential phone call. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review the facts of your case. During this discussion, we’ll ask about your injury, the location of the accident, and the medical treatment you’ve received so far. Our team may also ask how your injury has affected your life and the types of losses you’ve suffered.
Our attorneys will then explain your rights and legal options to seek compensation. We will also break down our contingency fee structure and explain how you pay nothing up front. There are no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you, so there is no out-of-pocket financial risk to work with us.
We offer around-the-clock support when you need us. Call (833) SANDERS or contact us online to schedule your free case review. No matter your immigration status, you can expect to be treated with dignity, respect, and the attention you deserve.