Recently, Judge Elaine Lujan of the New Mexico 2nd Judicial District Court granted our client's motion for summary judgment, affirming the protection provided by New Mexico’s worker’s compensation exclusivity rule.

The case involved a workplace accident where the plaintiff, employed by our client, was struck by a commercial vehicle owned and driven by a third party while attempting to document deliveries. The incident occurred as the driver maneuvered around a parked delivery vehicle.

Mayer attorneys, David Larsen and Ryan Goodhue, effectively argued that the worker’s compensation exclusivity rule applied, asserting that worker’s compensation is the sole remedy for work-related injuries, provided that insurance requirements are met and the injury occurs within the scope of employment.

Judge Lujan’s ruling confirmed that our client had fulfilled all statutory requirements by maintaining valid worker’s compensation coverage and that the plaintiff’s injury was work-related. Additionally, the Court found that the Third-Party Plaintiffs did not adequately challenge our client’s prima facie case or demonstrate that further discovery would affect the outcome.

This decision reflects the strength of New Mexico’s worker’s compensation system in protecting employers from third-party indemnity claims related to workplace injuries. We commend David and Ryan for their strategic approach and diligence in achieving this favorable result for our client.