KENNETH HARLAN vs. RENE M. CASAREZ aka RENE CASAREZ aka RENE BASAREZ aka RENE CAESAREZ dba AFFORDABLE PLUMBING AND ROOTER, HIROSHI CHARLES TANGE, FARMERS INSURANCE

This case concerns a worker injured while performing plumbing services at a new construction project. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied a petition for reconsideration, upholding the finding that the homeowner, Hiroshi Tange, was the applicant's employer. The Board gave significant weight to the Workers' Compensation Judge's credibility determination of witnesses. Ultimately, the Board found no substantial evidence to overturn the judge's conclusion that the applicant was an employee working for the benefit of the homeowner, who exercised control over the project.