A Florida judge ruled this week that an illegal immigrant injured in a workplace accident is entitled to workers compensation benefits.

According to court documents, Luis Aragon worked for HDV Construction Systems in Tallahassee, Florida for three years. Aragon is an illegal immigrant. He was injured in a 30 foot fall last year and required extensive medical treatment, including a spinal cord stimulator implant. Doctors said Aragon’s injuries are permanent, confining him to a sedentary work life. When Aragon filed for workers compensation’, HDV denied his claim because of his “illegal” status.

Aragon filed a lawsuit against the construction company, claiming he was entitled to workers compensation benefits. A judge, and later an appeals court, sided with Aragon. The judge ruled that HDV, a company that knowingly employs illegal immigrants, should be held responsible for workers compensation payments if such an employee is injured. Florida law defines “employee” as anyone receiving compensation from an employer.

The appeals court said that a company that knowingly employs an illegal immigrant should not be able to shirk the cost of the injuries it creates, as that would put employer who operate lawfully at a disadvantage.

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