Accidents don’t ask for your passport. They don’t care if you’re here on a visa, green card, or without papers at all. One moment you’re walking to work, heading to the grocery store, or biking to visit a friend—and the next, your life changes.
At Costa Ivone, we’ve stood beside people from all walks of life, and all corners of the globe. We know the fear and confusion that can come after a serious injury, especially when you’re not a U.S. citizen. You may be asking: “Do I even have rights?” “Will filing a claim affect my immigration status?” “Can I get medical care?” “Who’s going to help me through this?”
The good news? Yes—you have rights.
Let’s walk through what non-citizens need to know when pursuing a personal injury claim in Illinois.
Yes, You Can File a Personal Injury Claim
This is often the first and most important truth we share with our clients.
Your immigration status does not determine your right to file a personal injury claim. Whether you’re a lawful permanent resident, hold a student or work visa, or are undocumented—you are protected under Illinois law if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence.
According to the National Safety Council, preventable injuries cost Americans over $1.2 trillion annually. The courts in Illinois—and across the U.S.—recognize that justice is for everyone. If someone rear-ended you in traffic, failed to fix a dangerous stairwell, or left a sidewalk icy and unsafe, you deserve to be heard, and you deserve compensation for what you’ve lost.
Explore your options with our Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers or Car Accident Attorneys.
Real People, Real Stories
One client—a hardworking father from Guatemala—was delivering food when he was hit by a distracted driver. At first, he didn’t want to file a claim. He feared drawing attention to himself. But after weeks of pain, missed work, and mounting hospital bills, he reached out.
We walked with him every step of the way, ensuring his status was never used against him. His case settled favorably, and he was able to focus on healing and getting back to supporting his family.
You can see more case results here.
What You Can Be Compensated For
If you’re hurt because someone else was careless, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills – hospital visits, physical therapy, medications
- Lost wages – if your injury caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn
- Pain and suffering – both physical and emotional
- Long-term care – if your injury requires ongoing treatment or assistance
In cases involving serious injuries or gross negligence, you may also be eligible for punitive damages—money awarded to punish the responsible party and deter others from similar behavior.
We cover these topics in more detail on our Catastrophic Injury Lawyer and Medical Malpractice pages.
Will Filing a Claim Affect My Immigration Status?
This is a valid concern, and we hear it often.
The simple answer is: filing a personal injury claim is a civil matter—not an immigration matter. That means it doesn’t get reported to immigration authorities like ICE or USCIS.
Additionally, attorneys are bound by confidentiality. What you tell us stays with us. We don’t—and won’t—share your immigration status with anyone unless you ask us to.
A 2019 report from the American Bar Association confirms that undocumented immigrants are legally allowed to pursue compensation when injured.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney Who Understands
Not all attorneys are created equal. When you’re a non-citizen, you need someone who understands the intersection between injury law and immigration reality. Someone who sees you, hears you, and knows how to protect you.
We take the time to explain every step—in plain English, Spanish, Polish, or whichever language you’re most comfortable with. We handle the paperwork. We deal with the insurance companies. And most importantly, we fight to get you what you deserve.
Explore our full range of Practice Areas to understand where your situation fits.
No Win, No Fee—What That Means for You
We get it. The idea of hiring a lawyer can feel out of reach—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or just trying to keep your family afloat.
That’s why our firm works on a contingency basis. You don’t pay us unless we win your case. Period.
Learn more about what to expect in our FAQs.
Steps to Take After an Injury
If you’re hurt and thinking about filing a claim, here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Not just for your health, but because your medical records are key to your case.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies. They’re trained to twist your words.
- Call an attorney who understands your unique situation.
We offer free consultations—no pressure, just answers.
Trust, Care, and a Seat at the Table
Our firm was founded on the belief that everyone deserves strong, compassionate legal help—especially when life throws them something unfair. We’ve walked with mothers from Mexico, fathers from Ukraine, cousins from Nigeria, and sisters from the Philippines.
This isn’t just law to us—it’s personal.
We know what it means to come from somewhere else and make a life here. We know the courage it takes to speak up. And we’re here to back you every step of the way.
Hear directly from those we’ve helped on our Testimonials page.
Final Thoughts
Accidents are hard enough without fear hanging over your head. If you’re a non-citizen injured in Illinois, don’t let immigration status stop you from getting help. You have rights, and you have options.
And at Costa Ivone, you have a team who understands. A team who listens. A team who fights.
Let’s talk. Your free consultation is confidential and could be the first step toward the peace—and justice—you deserve.
