Benavidez v. Sierra Blanca Motors

OPINION

DONNELLY, Judge.

{1} Claimant Jose Ventura Benavidez appeals from an order of the Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) denying workers’ compensation benefits, medical benefits, and attorney fees. The principal issue raised on appeal is whether the WCJ erred in determining that Claimant, an inmate in the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections who was injured while participating in an inmate work-release program, was eligible for benefits under the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Act. See NMSA 1978, §§ 52-1-1 to -70 (1929, as amended through 1993) (the Act). For the reasons…