Higgs v. Western Landscaping & Sprinkler Systems, Inc.

The question in this case is whether section 8-47-101(2), 3B C.R.S. (1988 Supp.), which was in effect during the proceedings below and which established a different wage basis for computing the workers’ compensation benefits for “farm and ranch labor employees,” violates equal protection of the laws. In Higgs v. Western Landscaping & Sprinkler Systems, Inc., 789 P.2d 431 (Colo.App.1989), the court of appeals, in a split decision, concluded that the statute passes constitutional scrutiny because the disparate treatment of farm and ranch employees bears a reasonable relationship to the…