Nebraska Court: Illegal Immigrant Eligible for Workers’ Comp

The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling that an illegal immigrant injured at a slaughterhouse is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Cargill argued that because Odilon Visoso cannot legally work, he should not be eligible to receive weekly wages of about $340, payment for future medical expenses related to his spine injury and other benefits.

In 2006, a 100-pound slab of beef fell from a hook and landed on him at the plant in Schuyler. Visoso had surgery in October 2007 and was fired shortly after by Cargill because, its officials say, he was an illegal immigrant.

In its ruling, the court pointed out that state law says all employees, including illegal immigrants, are eligible for workers’ compensation.

Ruling: http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/opinions/2009/december/dec8/a09-339.p