Agriculture Laborers Bring Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit

In New Mexico farm and ranch workers are not included in the state’s worker’s compensation laws, and thus these workers are now suing the state’s Workers’ Compensation Administration demanding they be included in coverage.

As the Associated Press reports, thirty-three states “already require workers’ compensation for farm workers. Some limit coverage or exempt small farms.” New Mexico’s agricultural workers are in a job category that isn’t covered by the state law. So, when Joe Griego, a dairy worker in New Mexico got attacked by a bull while at work, he found his injuries were not covered by the state workers’ compensation benefits. Thus, the lawsuit was brought by Griego and other workers.

According to the Associated Press, officials with the state maintain that farm and ranch employers “can voluntary cover their laborers under workers’ compensation.

To read the Associated Press article click here.

Posted: 09/25/09