Ochoa v. Department of Labor & Industries

The issue in this case is whether a licensed jockey who was hired to exercise a horse during a race meet is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under RCW 51.12.010 if injured while exercising that horse. The Court of Appeals concluded the rider, as a licensed jockey, was exempt from coverage under RCW 51.12.020(7). We reverse, holding it is a person’s employment function at the time of the injury, and not the person’s licensed status, that controls whether he or she is excepted from workers’ compensation coverage.

FACTS

Richard Ochoa (Ochoa), petitioner, was a licensed jockey who was…