Section 8. Waiver of immunity from liability

The state hereby waives its
  immunity from liability and action  and  hereby  assumes  liability  and
  consents  to  have the same determined in accordance with the same rules
  of law as applied to actions in the supreme court against individuals or
  corporations, provided the claimant complies  with  the  limitations  of
  this  article.  Nothing  herein  contained shall be construed to affect,
  alter or repeal any provision of the workmen's compensation law.