Latino workers, especially those born outside the United States, face a growing crisis of workplace injuries and deaths.
Recent studies from the Center for Economic and Policy Research show that Latino workers have the highest fatality rate of any major racial or ethnic group in the country.
These are not accidents without cause. They are preventable tragedies tied to unsafe workplaces, weak oversight, and a system that often leaves immigrant workers without protection.
As a workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida, where there is a large number of Latino workers, I see the impact of these injuries on families every day.
My goal is to break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how you can protect yourself or your loved ones:
The Numbers Tell a Serious Story
In 2022, Latino workers had a workplace fatality rate of 4.6 deaths per 100,000 workers, the highest among all groups. Foreign-born Latino workers are especially at risk. They make up just 8.6% of all workers, but they account for 14.4% of all workplace deaths. That imbalance is alarming.
Meanwhile, U.S.-born Latino workers have a lower fatality rate and are not seeing the same rise in deaths. This tells us something important: the issue isn’t about ethnicity alone. It’s about where people work, the conditions they face, and whether they feel safe speaking up.
Even more troubling, fatal injuries among Latino workers have been increasing steadily since 2018. The problem is not getting better on its own.
Why Latino Workers Face Greater Risks:
1. More Latino Workers Are in the Most Dangerous Jobs
Foreign-born Latino workers are heavily represented in construction, roofing, agriculture, landscaping, and certain manufacturing jobs. These fields consistently rank among the most hazardous industries in the country. Long hours, heavy equipment, heat exposure, and unsafe job sites all increase risk.
2. Language Barriers
Many workplaces do not provide proper safety training in Spanish. Some companies skip training altogether. A worker who does not understand or never receives clear instructions is far more likely to be hurt. When workers can’t fully understand safety rules – or aren’t given the chance to – mistakes happen, and people get injured.
3. Fear of Speaking Up
This is one of the biggest issues. Many foreign-born workers fear retaliation if they report unsafe conditions or injuries. They worry about being fired. Some worry about immigration consequences. Bad employers take advantage of this fear. They cut corners. They ignore hazards. And workers pay the price.
4. Weak Enforcement and Oversight
OSHA, the federal agency responsible for workplace safety, is understaffed and underfunded. Many dangerous workplaces go years without inspections. Some companies roll the dice, hoping they’ll never be caught.
Advocates Are Pushing for Change
Organizations like the AFL-CIO are urging stronger safety regulations, more inspections, and better training for immigrant workers.
These are important steps. But change takes time, and injuries are happening now. Workers need protection today, not years from now.
Your Rights as a Latino Worker – No Matter Your Immigration Status
Workers’ compensation covers all workers, including undocumented workers.
Your employer cannot use your immigration status to deny benefits.
You also have the right to:
- Get medical treatment for work-related injuries
- Receive wage benefits if you cannot work
- Be free from retaliation for filing a claim
- Have your claim handled fairly and promptly
If you are injured, here’s what to do immediately:
- Report the injury as soon as possible (in writing if you can).
- Ask for medical care right away.
- Keep copies of everything – photos, messages, forms.
- Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer before signing any documents from your employer or the insurance company.
These simple steps can protect your rights and make a major difference in your case.
Why These Cases Often Need a Lawyer
Claims involving immigrant or Spanish-speaking workers are frequently mishandled. Some employers deny that the injury happened at work. Others pressure workers not to file at all. Sometimes paperwork is confusing or incomplete. Benefits may be delayed or underpaid.
A lawyer can:
- Communicate with your employer and the insurance company
- Prevent retaliation
- Make sure you receive full medical and wage benefits
- Guide you through forms and deadlines
- Fight back if your claim is denied
Conclusion
Latino workers, especially foreign-born workers, are being hurt and killed at unacceptable rates. These injuries are preventable. Until workplaces become safer, injured workers and their families deserve strong legal protection, clear information, and a voice.
You don’t have to fight this process alone. If you or a family member has been injured at work, we are here to help. Your call is confidential, and your immigration status does not affect your right to workers’ compensation. Reach out to speak with a lawyer who understands the challenges Latino workers face and will fight to protect your rights.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., have represented hurt workers and accident victims for over 30 years. We understand how frustrating and challenging this time can be, and we know how to help you through it. Our Florida work injury attorneys are aggressive when it comes to obtaining compensation and justice on behalf of our clients. We help injured workers all across Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Coral Springs, Delray Beach, and many other areas.
If you were injured or became sick while working, we can help. Call Adam Baron at 954-247-HURT now for a Free, No-Obligation Case Review.