Westwood Wage and Hour Lawyer

Westwood Wage and Hour Attorney

As a California employee, you work hard to do your job and should be compensated the way you rightfully deserve and were promised. Unfortunately, California employers often breach wage and hour laws, resulting in issues like underpaid workers and other injustices. If you currently work in Westwood and believe your lawyer is violating your rights to fair wages, our Westwood wage and hour lawyer is prepared to help.

Understanding California Wage and Hour Laws

California has strong wage and hour laws that help to ensure workers are paid adequately for the hours they work and are given enough break time. California’s wage and hour laws outline the following provisions:

• Minimum Wage. The state of California sets a minimum wage that is adjusted each year according to factors such as inflation. However, certain cities and counties in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, have higher minimum wages than what the state mandates. If you’re unsure what the minimum wage is in your county, it’s critical that you talk to a lawyer who can help you determine it.
• Overtime Pay. California workers are entitled to extra pay for any hours worked outside of a regular work schedule. In some cases where workers are significantly working overtime, they can be entitled to double pay. Employers may commonly violate overtime laws by misclassifying them as exempt to avoid paying overtime.
• Meal and Rest Breaks. California workers are entitled to adequate rest and meal breaks during the work day. Laborers who work more than five hours a day are entitled to at least 30 minutes of break to eat a meal. For every 4 hours worked, they are entitled to a 10-minute paid rest break. If the employer fails to give adequate break times, they can be entitled to pay up to an extra hour of pay for each day the breaks were not provided.

Employers may also commonly breach California labor laws by asking workers to engage in off-the-clock work, such as having them complete work-related tasks after they have clocked out. If you believe that your employer is breaching California or local wage and hour laws, it is critical to contact an experienced Westwood wage and hour lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

How a Westwood Wage and Hour Lawyer Can Support You

As wage and hour laws are highly complex, it is important to have a knowledgeable legal representative on your side who can help you navigate the law to your advantage. A Westwood wage and hour lawyer from the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can meet with you, understand the details of your case, and help you understand whether your rights have been breached under California’s wage and hour laws.

If you have a legal case, one of our lawyers can assist you with gathering crucial evidence, such as pay stubs, communications records between you and your employer, and work logs. They can assist you with filing a complaint with the proper government agency and navigate you through necessary bureaucratic processes. They can handle communications on your behalf to ensure your claim is presented in a good light.

In some cases, legal action may be necessary. An employment lawyer from our firm can assist you with filing a lawsuit in Westwood to recover the compensation you’re entitled to for your unpaid hours or breaks. In the time leading up to your court date, we can attempt to negotiate settlements on your behalf. If your case finally goes to court, we can advocate on your behalf for an optimal compensation package.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Minimum Wage in California?

A: As of January 2024, the California minimum wage is $16.00 an hour. It’s important to note, however, that some counties or cities have minimum wages that are higher than those set by the state. Therefore, it’s critical to check the laws that are local to your area. A California wage and hour lawyer can help you understand whether you are being paid the hourly rate you are entitled to under local and state laws.

Q: Am I Entitled to Overtime Pay in California?

A: Yes, employees are specifically entitled to overtime pay under California law. These rules apply to workers who work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours a week. Overtime pay is typically calculated as 1.5 times the rate you are regularly paid. Employees who work more than 12 hours in one day are entitled to two times the rate they are regularly paid. To understand the rates you’re entitled to, it’s encouraged to contact an employment lawyer.

Q: What Are the Rules for Meal and Rest Breaks in California?

A: California employees who work more than five hours per day are entitled to a 30-minute break to take a meal, which is unpaid. Additionally, for every four hours of work, workers are entitled to a 10-minute break. Employers who do not provide these breaks must typically pay their workers as compensation. If you suspect that you are not being awarded adequate meal and rest breaks and are not receiving adequate compensation, it’s important to contact a lawyer.

Q: What Should I Do If My California Employer Is Not Paying Minimum Wage or Overtime?

A: If you believe that your employer is not paying you the amount you’re entitled to, you can submit a wage claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations. A California wage and hour lawyer can also assess your situation and help you determine the next steps to take. They can assist you with filing wage claims with relevant government agencies, as well as taking your case to court if necessary to recover wages you’re entitled to.

Your Westwood Wage and Hour Lawyer

If you believe you are not being adequately compensated for your work, an experienced Westwood wage and hour lawyer from the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can help you. We can assess your situation and work to help you understand your rights and the next steps to take. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a team member and fight for compensation today.