Any CA lawyers out there?!

Ju
This has nothing to do with pregnancy etc. but it's causing so much stress in our home :(
My mom is 60 years old and still cleaning houses on her own. She's the sweetest person you will ever meet, to a fault... a week ago she asked a woman to help her clean a few houses as she is getting tired. The woman was on a step ladder, fell off and twisted her ankle. 
My mom immediately took her to urgent care where the woman told them she was employed by my mother and she would cover the costs. 
Normally my mom and myself would help in any way we can but we are currently broke with all these new expenses and can't afford it. 
The woman has been harassing us for money ever since. (Only 2 days but still) 
Does anyone know what we can do? Is my mom really liable, I believe she falls under the independent contractor category right?