Jones

*936 Despite the prevalence of "do-it-yourself" manuals and television shows, most homeowners eventually decide that some home repairs or maintenance would best be done by hiring someone to do the work. Inevitably, some workers are injured. There are sometimes confusing rules about when a homeowner is liable for injuries to workers on the property, either in tort or under the workers' compensation system. The common questions include whether the person hired by the homeowner was (1) required to be a licensed professional to do the work, and (2) if so, whether the person had the required license.

As stated by our Supreme Court, "It is doubtful the average homeowner realizes tree trimming can require a contractor's license." ( Fernandez v. Lawson (2003) 31 Cal.4th 31 , 37, 1 Cal.Rptr.3d 422 , 71 P.3d 779 ( Fernandez ).)

Plaintiff Mary E. Jones appeals from a judgment after a grant of summary judgment to defendant Danita Sorenson. Sorenson hired a gardener to work on her property and the gardener hired Jones to help her. Jones was injured when she fell from a ladder while trimming a tree at least 15 feet tall. Jones sued Sorenson, claiming such work required a license but the…