Legal Question in Workers Comp in California

Bear with me... I'm a broke barber in California currently going through a bankruptcy with my wife. I can't afford seeing a doctor, (lack of insurance and money) I developed Epicondylitis (repetitive stress disorder) as per my client who is a rheumatologist. Is his diagnosis valid? (I was cutting his hair)

My condition is very painful, unless I cut back on the activity. So I decided to cut my hours. But my condition doesn't heal itself.

I was informed by my client that the continuation of my work will lead to an inevitable surgery. How far must my injury progress? Do I need to just stop working and hope that workers comp will kick in? If I keep working, don't I run the risk of losing benefits?

Please please please, help guide me towards a beneficial decision. I'm totally stuck.

Thank you!


Asked on 8/31/09, 1:10 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Lupoff Law Offices of David B. Lupoff

It seems to me that you may have a valid work-related injury. However, I must know whether or not you own the barber shop, or whether you are an independent contractor. If you are either, or, you may be precluded from being entitled to workers compensation benefits.

Please feel free to contact me at 1.877.505.INJURY. I have a deposition in the morning, but should be back into my office in the afternoon to talk.

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Answered on 8/31/09, 1:33 am
Joseph La Costa Joseph La Costa, Attorney at Law

My father was a barber also but if you are not an employee you have no work comp

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Answered on 8/31/09, 12:44 pm


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