Rodriguez v. Scotts Landscaping & Builders Trust

OPINION

BUSTAMANTE, Judge.

{1} Worker appeals from a compensation order finding that Worker could not receive his compensation award as a lump sum payment under NMSA 1978, § 52-5-12 (2003). The question presented in this appeal is whether Section 52-5-12 violates the Equal Protection Clauses of the United States and New Mexico Constitutions. Concluding that Section 52-5-12 does not violate Worker’s right to equal protection, we affirm.

BACKGROUND

{2} On October 22, 2003, Worker injured his back in the course and scope of his employment as a landscaping laborer. As a result of the injury, Worker…