Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program for workers who are injured while on the job. However, a recent study conducted by the National Employment Law Project found that low-wage earners are not likely to file for workers’ compensation even when seriously injured. Many workers were required to report to work after an injury, the study said.
The study, titled “Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers” involved interviewing nearly 4400 low-wage employees in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. It was conducted by researchers at UCLA, University of Illinois-Chicago, Cornell University, and Rutgers University. Below are some results from the survey.
- 30% said their employer refused to help with the injury
- 13% reported being fired shortly after being injured
- 4% of the injured were threatened with deportation
As solutions to the issues noted, the researchers of the study advocated strengthening government enforcement as a way to protect low-wage earners. Among other solutions, they suggested moving toward an “investigation-driven” enforcement method, partnering with community organizations and centers to identify where workplace violations are occurring, and strengthening penalties for violations.
Related Resources:
- Read the study: Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers [PDF] (nelp.org)
- Workers’ comp system not functioning for low-wage earners, study finds (Risk & Insurance)
- Study: Low-wage employees hardly benefit from workers’ comp system (SmartBrief)
- Study: Workers’ Compensation System Failing Lower Wage Workers (InsuranceJournal)
- Small Business Workers Comp: Are You Prepared? (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)
- Workers’ Compensation Overview (provided by Mitchell, Dugan & Assoc., PC)
- Workers Comp Disability Ratings (provided by Eley Law Firm)
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