Marina del Rey Wage and Hour Lawyer

Marina del Rey Wage and Hour Attorney

All workers, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to be fairly compensated for their work. It is an unfortunate reality that many workers are underpaid or never compensated for their work due to negligence or willful acts of misconduct by employers. When workers experience wage violations, they can hire a Marina del Rey wage and hour lawyer to protect their rights and seek compensation for the lost wages and other forms of losses they endured.

Common Examples of Wage and Hour Violations

Some wage and hour violations are overt, such as when someone hires a worker to perform a job and then refuses to pay them any compensation for their job. Other forms of wage theft are more subtle.

These and other violations of California’s labor code can lead to the need to hire an employment law lawyer who can hold the employer accountable and compel them to pay for services rendered.

• Minimum wage violations. California’s minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal rate. Employers who fail to meet California’s minimum wage requirements must compensate employees for the difference.
• Overtime violations. Workers who put in more than 40 hours of work in one week or more than eight hours in one day must be paid overtime. There are few exceptions to these laws. Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times the employee’s standard hourly rate. If an employee usually works eight hours a day but works nine hours on one day, the extra hour must be paid at the overtime rate.
• False hours reporting. Some employers may try to falsify work records to avoid paying overtime. Even when they do this by spreading worked hours across multiple pay periods, they still violate labor laws by denying employees their rightful overtime pay.
• Misclassifying employees as contractors. Some employers may try to misclassify employees as independent contractors as a means of not paying benefits. This misclassification can lead to the avoidance of payroll taxes, healthcare benefits, and other compensation required for full-time employees.
• Illegal payroll deductions. Employers are allowed to make specific payroll deductions, such as taxes, but must only deduct what is legally required. They must also provide accurate pay stubs that detail all deductions. If you notice a pattern of your employers making payroll deduction errors, bring the matter to a superior. If they do not take prompt steps to correct the problem, you can consult with a labor law lawyer to see what steps can be taken.
• Failure to reimburse. Employers are required to reimburse employees for job-related expenses, including clothing, tools, equipment, and mileage for work-related travel. More and more remote workers are working from home and require special equipment to perform their duties. Anything that is work-related must be reimbursed by the employer.

These are just a few of the ways employers could violate wage and hour laws. Any concern that your rights as an employee have been violated should be discussed with one of our employment lawyers, who can review the circumstances of your claim.

Compensating Wage and Hour Violations

If you feel your employer has violated wage and hour laws impacting the compensation you receive for your work, you may be entitled to compensation. The first step is to document the financial impact of the violations. While calculating the exact impact may be difficult, an employment lawyer can help and work to recover what you are owed.

In some cases, the first step is for your lawyer to reach out to your employer, demanding that they pay what you are owed plus any reasonable fees. If your employer refuses to offer a fair, private settlement, the next step may be to file a complaint with a government agency.

The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez

If you have encountered issues with hour and wage disputes, you may no longer trust your employer to resolve the matter fairly. A lawyer can be a powerful partner who can provide guidance while supporting you throughout your case.

Navigating the process of addressing your wage concerns with your employer or filing a complaint with a government agency can be complex. Errors in your complaint could lead to delays or rejections. With over 20 years of experience, our team has earned a strong reputation for diligently representing clients whose wages have been impacted by employers violating the law. We personalize our legal services to meet the needs of their circumstances.

Our team takes the necessary time to investigate your claim by reviewing communications between you and your employer, employee records, human resources policies and procedures, and more.

FAQs

Q: What Can I Do When My Employer Does Not Pay for Overtime?

A: If your employer does not compensate you for overtime that you worked, the first step is to bring the matter to the attention of a supervisor or the employer directly. Digital communications like email are a great way to communicate your concerns while preserving a record. If your employer does not take good-faith steps to comply with your request, you can hire an employment law lawyer who can negotiate with your employer directly or take other legal steps.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wage and Hour Laws in California?

A: According to the statute of limitations, you must file your claim for unpaid wages with the California Labor Commission within three years. Failing to meet this deadline could mean that you lose the opportunity to recover damages you may be owed if your employer violated your wage and hour rights. If you have concerns that your employment rights have been violated, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet appropriate deadlines.

Q: What Are My Options if I Cannot Afford a Labor Law Lawyer?

A: The costs of working with a labor law lawyer could prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. However, many lawyers work on a contingency basis, and they receive a percentage of your settlement. The exact costs you could incur from hiring a legal representative could vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Speaking with a lawyer during your initial consultation can reveal the potential costs you could face.

Q: Can My Employer Pay Me Less Than Minimum Wage?

A: Under no circumstance can your employer pay you lower than the state, federal, or local minimum wage. Employers are required to provide employees with the highest minimum wage available. If your employer refuses, you can hire a lawyer who can help you challenge your employer’s practices, bring them into compliance, and recover any compensation you may be entitled to.

Marina del Rey Wage and Hour Lawyer

Wage and hour disputes are serious and can significantly impact your livelihood. If you are facing issues with unpaid wages or improper overtime compensation, your first step should be to consult with an employment law lawyer who can guide you in seeking the compensation you deserve. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez has the knowledge and experience you need to fight back against wage and hour violations against you. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.