At Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers, we represent employees across California who have faced unpaid wages, denied breaks, retaliation, or discrimination in the workplace. A recent case illustrates just how seriously California juries take wage-and-hour rights. On September 5, 2025, the Daily Journal reported a massive $8.5 million jury verdict in a wage-and-hour case overseen by Judge Andrew Y. S. Cheng. The plaintiffs, Marianne Ramirez and Wendy (last name undisclosed), prevailed on claims stemming from workplace violations dating back to May 2024.

This result is one of the largest California wage-and-hour verdicts in recent years, sending a clear message that violations of workers' rights will not be taken lightly. In this post, we'll break down the case's significance, what types of claims juries are willing to award, how employers typically defend against these cases, what happens after a verdict of this magnitude, and highlight the attorneys who helped bring this result to light.

Why This $8.5 Million Verdict Matters

California already leads the nation in protecting workers through its wage-and-hour laws. Even so, verdicts of this size remain notable because they highlight:

• The scale of liability: When multiple violations are combined—missed breaks, unpaid overtime, inaccurate wage statements—the damages can skyrocket.
• Jury sentiment: Jurors are increasingly sympathetic to employees' stories and increasingly skeptical of employers who appear careless with payroll practices.
• Systemic exposure: A verdict this high likely reflects systemic issues rather than one-off mistakes, suggesting long-term patterns of noncompliance.

Common Wage-and-Hour Claims in California

While the Daily Journal summary does not detail every claim in this case, large wage verdicts usually involve a combination of the following:

• Unpaid Overtime
• Meal and Rest Break Violations
• Wage Statement Violations
• Waiting Time Penalties
• Misclassification of Employees

Jury Behavior: What This Case Tells Us

California juries are showing a growing willingness to award large damages in wage-and-hour cases. The $8.5 million award likely reflected sympathy for workers, skepticism of the employer's credibility, and a desire to deter future misconduct. Other recent verdicts—ranging from $1.3 million to $6 million—show this is not an isolated outcome but part of a broader pattern.

Employer Defenses and Why They Fail

Employers typically argue good faith compliance, misclassification, or minor payroll errors. However, California courts and juries demand strong evidence of proactive compliance. In this case, the employer's defenses were rejected, reinforcing the importance of documented audits, training, and accurate wage records.

Post-Verdict Considerations

After a large verdict like this, employers face appeals, insurance reviews, reputational harm, and costly policy overhauls. For employees, the verdict is validation but often comes with a wait during post-trial motions or appeals.

The Attorneys Who Handled the Case

Significant results like the Ramirez and Wendy verdict are never achieved in isolation—they are the product of skilled trial attorneys dedicated to workers' rights. The plaintiffs were represented by experienced employment lawyers whose names were not readily available. Their ability to marshal evidence of systemic violations, present compelling testimony, and withstand employer defenses was central to persuading the jury.

On the defense side, employers often hire large management-side firms with vast resources. Yet, even these firms can falter when confronted with clear evidence of Labor Code violations. This case underscores how committed employee-side attorneys can level the playing field and deliver justice against well-funded employers.

At Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers, our team—including recognized leaders in employment law—has a track record of litigating and winning similar cases. We are frequently called on to handle high-stakes wage-and-hour disputes, PAGA claims, and class actions, and our attorneys are known for securing significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of California workers.

Lessons for Workers

This case is a reminder that workers who are denied overtime, breaks, or accurate wage statements can achieve justice—even against powerful employers. If you suspect wage theft, consulting an experienced attorney is the first step toward recovery.

Lessons for Employers

Employers should view this verdict as a wake-up call. Compliance audits, supervisor training, and accurate payroll systems are essential. Waiting until after a lawsuit is filed is far too late.

Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers: Advocates for Workers

Our firm has decades of experience representing employees in wage-and-hour disputes. We have recovered millions for workers and continue to fight aggressively against unlawful pay practices. The attorneys handling these cases know how to stand up to employers who cut corners, and we bring that same tenacity to every client we represent.

Conclusion

The $8.5 million verdict sends a clear message: California juries take wage-and-hour violations seriously. For workers, it's validation that the law protects them. For employers, it's a warning that ignoring compliance can lead to catastrophic liability. The attorneys who handled this case played a critical role in delivering justice, and their success reflects what can happen when experienced employment lawyers fight for workers' rights.

If you believe your employer has violated your wage-and-hour rights, contact Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers today for a free consultation.