Bill Seeks To Remove Exclusive Remedy For Bad Faith Claims

A New Mexico bill would eliminate workers compensation exclusive remedy protections for lawsuits over bad faith dealings and unfair claims processing practices. House Bill 359, introduced by New Mexico Rep. Daymon Ely, D-Corrales, earlier this month, was scheduled for discussion in the state House Labor and Economic Development Committee Friday. The bill adds language to New Mexico’s workers comp law that would remove exclusive remedy for “claims of bad faith, unfair claims-processing practices or similar common law or statutory claims against an employer, insurer or other party.”