Our Long Beach independent contractor misclassification lawyers recognize that more and more businesses are working with independent contractors instead of full- or part-time employees. Why? Because businesses don’t have to offer independent contractors the same benefits as employees.
Unfortunately, some businesses will misrepresent an employee’s status within their company to get out of paying them overtime or offering them healthcare benefits, among other required forms of support. If you think an employer isn’t classifying you appropriately, you can reach out to a Long Beach wage and hour violations lawyer for legal guidance.
Moon Law Group has served California employees since 2007. We know all about the tricks employers can use to cut corners and deny you reasonable support. Fortunately, we’re not afraid to fight back and can advocate for your right to compensatory damages. Contact us today to learn more about the legal strategies we can implement on your behalf.
What Does “Independent Contractor” Mean?
California distinguishes independent contractors from employees based on their relationship with a business. Employees work with a business on a full- or part-time basis as part of a growing ecosystem. Comparatively, independent contractors often work on a project-by-project basis.
Independent contractors often have a different pay structure than employees, as well, and may make money on a project-by-project basis instead of via an hourly wage. That said, our Long Beach employment lawyers recognize that independent contractors may have more control over their schedules and the projects that they choose to take.
Most importantly, independent contractors view corporations and other entities as clients, not employers. These relationships are not permanent, though corporations can develop strong, informal working relationships with consistent contractors.
For a free legal consultation with an independent contractor misclassification lawyer serving Long Beach, call 213-232-3128
Why Is Misclassification Dangerous?
While independent contractors can enjoy some professional freedom, they don’t benefit from many of the same workplace rights and protections as employees. For example, employers throughout California are not obligated to pay independent contractors the state-approved minimum wage.
Likewise, independent contractors do not have the right to overtime pay, meals, rest breaks, or certain benefits, including healthcare, Social Security benefits, or pensions. Independent contractors don’t benefit from the protection afforded to employees by the state’s employment discrimination laws, either.
Finally, independent contractors cannot apply for state disability insurance, workers’ compensation benefits, or unemployment insurance. Employers who misclassify their employees as independent contractors can subsequently deny those employees an incredible suite of benefits and protections, making it harder to challenge abuse.
Long Beach Independent Contractor Misclassification Lawyer Near Me 213-232-3128
When to Contact Long Beach Independent Contractor Misclassification Lawyers
If you suspect that an employer is inaccurately representing your professional relationship, don’t panic. You can reach out to an independent contractor misclassification attorney serving Long Beach to discuss your right to legal action. We can then work with you to determine whether you were purposefully or accidentally misrepresented.
Either way, we can go on to demand that you receive compensation for the benefits you didn’t receive while wrongfully classified. Your employer’s intentions do not matter.
The sooner you can get in touch with us, the sooner we can start gathering the evidence we need to prove that you’ve been working as an employee while classified as an independent contractor. We encourage you to book a case consultation with our team ASAP to preserve your right to legal action.
You Can Trust Us With Your Case
Our Long Beach independent contractor misclassification attorneys can:
- Speak with witnesses who know more about your misclassification
- Organize documents from your employer proving that they deliberately or accidentally misclassified your employment status
- Help you explore your right to recoverable action
- Connect you with fellow employees who’ve suffered from inappropriate misclassifications
- Highlight how your misclassification impacted your economic well-being using concrete data, including paychecks, hour records, unpaid overtime, and lost paid time off or sick leave
- File your claim for misclassification compensation with the appropriate parties before your filing timeline expires
- Represent you in conversations with your employer and other legal representatives, all while emphasizing your right to comprehensive financial compensation
- Protect you from employer retaliation
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Taking Class Action After Employment Misclassifications
You may not be the only employee suffering from a misclassification within a company or business. If you and many of your fellow employees are erroneously classified as independent contractors, you can band together to file a class action lawsuit against the negligent employer in question.
Class action lawsuits allow you to pool the evidence you have, indicating that you and your fellow employees should have received employee-specific benefits. That glut of evidence can emphasize the severity of an employer’s misclassification efforts, as well as the extent to which an employer denied you and your fellow employees reasonable financial compensation.
Our Long Beach independent contractor misclassification lawyers can help you and your fellow employees bring together a class action lawsuit before representing all of you in and out of employment court. You can trust us to prepare you for the legal process, then argue for the comprehensive financial support you all need to recover from your losses.
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You Can Start Working With Long Beach Independent Contractor Misclassification Lawyers Right Now
Every business has a legal obligation to accurately represent the status of employees working under its masthead. Businesses that inappropriately classify employees in an attempt to reduce their overhead costs can face legal consequences for denying employees the support they’re due under state and federal laws.
If you think your employer has misrepresented you as an independent contractor, get in touch with Moon Law Group right away. We can connect you with an independent contractor misclassification attorney serving Long Beach, CA, and discuss your right to legal action.
Call or text 213-232-3128 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form