MARTHA HASSAN vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, Permissibly Self-Insured, Administered By INTERCARE INSURANCE

This case involves an applicant seeking workers' compensation benefits, with the primary dispute being her employment status as either an employee or an independent contractor. The defendant, County of Los Angeles, argued the applicant was an independent contractor, citing her ability to work for others and a contractual clause. However, the majority of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration, adopting the WCJ's findings that the applicant was an employee based on the County's right to control her work. A dissenting opinion argued that the applicant was an independent contractor due to her distinct occupation, skill, and control over the means of her work.