Tribal Employer's Potential Immunity Didn't Foreclose Worker's Claims

The New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled that a casino worker could proceed with her claim for workers’ compensation benefits against a her tribal employer’s insurance carrier and third-party administrator regardless of whether the tribe itself was immune from liability. Case: Mendoza v. Isleta Resort & Casino, No. A-1-CA-35520, 04/09/2018, published. Facts: Gloria Mendoza worked at the Isleta Pueblo Resort and Casino as a custodial porter. The casino is wholly owned and operated by the Pueblo of Isleta.  Mendoza injured her knee while at work in August 2015. At the time, ...