No Win, No Fee (818) 990-8300

Employee Rights Blog

How to Sue for Unpaid Wages

Posted by Eric Kingsley | Jan 15, 2023 | 0 Comments

Employees have the right to fair compensation for their work. Unfortunately, instances of unpaid wages or wage theft can occur, leaving hardworking individuals feeling exploited and financially burdened.

If you find yourself in a situation where your employer has failed to pay you the wages you are owed, it's essential to understand your rights and take appropriate action. This blog aims to guide you through the process of suing for unpaid wages, empowering you to seek the justice you deserve. However, it is important to note that this should not be taken as legal advice, as each case is very different, and one should consult an experienced attorney to receive accurate advice about their legal issue.

Two people finding out how to sue for unpaid wages

When you don't receive wages that you are due, the first step to take is to bring it to your employer's attention. If it was oversight and the situation is corrected, you may not need to take further action.

However, if you were in fact a victim of wage theft or unlawful deductions, it is important that you understand your legal rights and options.  Victims of unpaid wages are encouraged to read our employees guide on unpaid wage lawsuits in California, or to schedule your free consultation with an unpaid wages attorney at Kingsley & Kingsley Lawyers.

Key Points - Table of Contents

Does Your Employer Owe You Unpaid Wages?

When it comes to unpaid wages there are a number of different labor violations that your employer might be in breach of.  Here are some of the most common labor law violations that lead to unpaid wages.

Minimum Wage Violations

In reviewing the history of minimum wage law it may become apparent that a prevailing wage is an important standard for wage and hour employees. It is illegal for employers in California not to pay their workers the minimum wage.

In 2023, the statewide minimum wage in California is $15.50 per hour. But, several cities and counties in the state have a higher minimum wage than the state minimum.

If you work in a city or county that has a higher minimum wage, your employer is required under the law to pay the higher amount.

Overtime Pay

Under California law, employers must pay non-exempt employees overtime pay if they work more than the maximum number of work hours. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than eight hours in a single workday; more than 40 hours in a workweek; or more than six days in a single workweek. Employees who work additional hours are entitled to one-and-a-half times their regular hourly rate of pay.

Meal and Rest Breaks

Hourly employees are entitled to take meal and rest breaks. The law mandates a 30-minute meal break if employees work more than five hours in a day.

If you work over 10 in a day, you are entitled to a second 30-minute meal period. Rest breaks are also required for hourly employees who work three and a half or more hours in a day.

For every four hours worked employees are entitled to a 10-minute rest break. If an employer does not allow their employees to take these rest breaks or meal breaks, they must pay workers one hour's wages for each break that was denied.

Off-the-Clock Work

California employers are also prohibited from requiring employees to work "off the clock" without compensating them. Examples of off-the-clock work include requiring work before or after shifts or making employees work during a meal or rest break.

It is also unlawful to ask employees to be on-call when they are supposed to be off work. Such "off-the-clock" work must be compensated at the employee's hourly wage.

If the employee works off the clock in excess of the maximum number of work hours, he or she is eligible to receive overtime pay.

Misclassifying Workers

It is unlawful for employers to misclassify non-exempt or hourly employees as "exempt" in order to get out of paying them overtime or providing other benefits.

Non-exempt workers are those who are paid on a time, piece rate or commission. Exempt employees such as independent contractors, those in supervisorial or managerial roles and employees earning commissions, may not be subject to wage and hour laws.

An exempt employee is someone who spends more than half of his or her work time performing intellectual or managerial work and earn a monthly salary of at least twice the California minimum wage for full-time employment.

Filing an Unpaid Wages Lawsuit

When an employer violates California wage and hour laws, you may be able to recover the unpaid wages by filing a lawsuit against your employer. Often times, employers violate wage laws against a number of employees.

In such cases, a class action lawsuit might be a good option. In such cases, a group of employees who have unpaid wages due can band together and bring a class action lawsuit against their employer.

How Long Do You Have to File an Unpaid Wages Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for California wage and hour lawsuit is three years from the date of the most recent violation. However, it is important to file a wage claim as soon as possible without which you could lose your right to claim any unpaid wages before the statute of limitations period.

A knowledgeable California employment lawyer can also help you secure additional penalties and damages that could substantially increase the value of your case.

How Much Money Will I get for an Unpaid Wages Lawsuit?

The damages available in an unpaid wages lawsuit in California depend on the type of labor code violation. For example, if your employer failed to pay you overtime wages, you may be able to recover back wages, interest on the unpaid wages as well as attorney's fees and court costs.

If your employer failed to provide rest breaks and meal breaks, you may be able to receive one hour's wages for each break you were not given. If your employer deliberately withdrew wages, you may receive double damages.

Can I Get Fired If I File an Unpaid Wages Lawsuit?

In California, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file an unpaid wages lawsuit. Doing so would amount to wrongful termination, which constitutes an additional cause of action against the employer.

Any type of retaliatory action including passing you up for a promotion, taking training opportunities away from you, demoting you or making adverse changes to your job will count as retaliation.

All forms of retaliation are illegal.

Need Help Recovering Unpaid Wages?

The right to fair wages is a fundamental aspect of employment, and no employee should have to endure unpaid wages or wage theft. If you find yourself in a situation where your employer has failed to compensate you properly, take action to protect your rights.

Educate yourself about labor laws, gather supporting documentation, and attempt to resolve the issue with your employer directly. If necessary, file a wage claim and, if appropriate, seek legal counsel to guide you through the process. Remember, fighting for your unpaid wages is not just about your financial well-being; it sets a precedent for fair treatment and justice in the workplace for all employees.

If your employer has violated wage and hour laws, please remember that you have legal recourse. Our wage and hour attorneys at Kingsley & Kingsley Lawyers, we will put our extensive experience and knowledge of wage and hour laws to full use.

We will help evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. We will fight hard for your rights and help you secure the unpaid wages you are owed. Call us at (818) 990-8300 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

About the Author

Eric Kingsley

Eric B. Kingsley is a 2023 "Best In Law" Award winner and has litigated over 150 class actions. He is also an AV peer rated attorney and a prolific speaker at various seminars on employment law.

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

We Hold Employers Accountable - Get Help Now

You do not have to go through this alone. Contact our Los Angeles Employment law firm for a free case evaluation. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any fees unless you win or recover compensation, and you will never have to pay out-of-pocket. California-only. We are unable to help those outside of California. Call (818) 990-8300

Menu