Fla. Court Rejects Employer's Immigration Defense to Injury Claim

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A Florida appellate court has rejected an attempt by a construction company and its workers' compensation insurer to deny benefits to an illegal immigrant, saying the employer knew or should have known of his employee's immigration status and can't use it to shield the company from liablity. HDV Construction Systems Inc., et al. v. Aragon, No. 1D10-6401 (Fla. Ct. App., 1st Dist.).

Florida's First District Court of Appeal issued its per curiam opinion on June 28 in favor of claimant Luis E. Aragon, citing case law and the Florida Legislature's express intention that all workers be covered …