California wage and hour claims allow you to take action against an employer who has violated the California Labor Code in specific ways. These claims can allow you to seek compensation for the losses you sustain due to employer misconduct.
You can learn more about these claims from a Los Angeles wage and hour violations lawyer. An attorney can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you take legal action.
What to Know About Wage and Hour Claims in California
You should know that wage and hour claims in California give you a chance to seek compensation for your losses if your employer fails to adhere to certain sections of the California Labor Code.
This section of the labor code protects employee rights by addressing issues related to:
Minimum Wage
California has a high minimum wage. Your employer must adhere to regulations about minimum wage. Paying you under this amount represents a violation of California’s Labor Code.
Overtime Pay
California has strict rules on employers regarding overtime pay. Generally, your employer must pay you for overtime if you work over 40 hours in a week or eight hours in a day. In some cases, you may qualify for double overtime.
Rest and Meal Breaks
Employers in California must legally provide rest and meal breaks to employees. As an employee, you must get a break of at least 30 minutes every five hours, though you may waive this break if you work less than six hours.
Recordkeeping
Employers in our state have to keep records about the hours employees work, their pay, and other potentially relevant information. The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) can legally inspect these records.
For a free legal consultation, call 213-232-3128
What Is a Wage and Hour Claim?
A wage and hour claim is a legal action that allows you to seek compensation if your employer violates California’s Labor Code. You can file the claim with the DLSE.
An attorney can give you more information about these claims, how they work, and whether you should file one to address misconduct by your employer.
Note that, in some cases, you can fully resolve your issues with an employer through a wage and hour claim. However, if your employer continues to treat you unfairly, you may need help from a lawyer to proceed with a lawsuit. You can learn more about what to know about wage and hour claims in California from your attorney.
Responding to Retaliation After You File a Wage and Hour Claim
You have legal protections if you file a wage and hour claim against your employer. Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you after you file a claim.
In fact, you should notify your lawyer immediately if your employer retaliates by:
- Terminating your job
- Demoting you to a lesser position
- Reducing your pay
- Giving you unfavorable assignments on the job
If you face retaliation, you may qualify for compensation for your back pay and other losses. Your employer may also have to reinstate you, depending on your situation.
You do not have to face retaliation on your own. Instead, you can reach out to a Los Angeles workplace retaliation lawyer for professional support.
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What Should You Do to Prepare for a Wage and Hour Claim?
You can prepare to file a wage-and-hour violation claim by taking several steps. Attorneys generally recommend that you:
Collect Evidence, if Possible
To work toward a favorable resolution of your wage and hour claim, you will need evidence of your employer’s wrongdoing. This evidence could come from pay stubs or other records about your work hours. Your attorney can utilize the evidence you collect when working on your claim.
Report the Issue to the DLSE
The DLSE can investigate issues related to hour and wage violations. This agency can conduct hearings and step in to enforce the state’s labor laws. In many cases, the DLSE can assist with resolving hour and wage disputes through settlement conferences or mediation.
Get Legal Help
You should reach out to an experienced attorney for help if you believe you have a valid wage and hour claim. An attorney can walk you through each stage of the legal process while protecting your rights and striving to advocate for your best interests. An attorney can even represent you in court when necessary.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to Us to Learn More About California Wage and Hour Claims
Our team at Moon Law Group can explain what you need to know about wage and hour claims in California. We’re here to help if you believe your employer violated your rights by paying you under minimum wage, ignoring overtime pay, or engaging in other forms of unlawful activity.
Our law firm can provide assertive advocacy for your rights in this situation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and the steps you should take against your employer.
We can even help with litigation if your claim goes to court or if you face retaliation.
Call or text 213-232-3128 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
