Los Angeles Wage and Hour Lawyer

Wage and Hour Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Everyone working in Los Angeles has the right to expect fair pay for their work in alignment with California state law and federal law. Unfortunately, many people experience wage losses due to their employers’ negligence or intentional misdeeds. These incidents often lead to wage and hour disputes. If you believe your employer has failed to pay you a promised wage, refuses to pay you correctly, or has taken unlawful deductions from your pay for any reason, you need to consult a Los Angeles wage claim attorney as soon as possible.

The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez have years of experience handling wage and hour disputes on behalf of our clients in the Los Angeles area. We are ready to put this extensive experience to work in your case. Our team has helped many past clients recover lost wages and benefits, and we can help you interpret the state and federal wage and hour laws as they apply to your case.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles Wage Claim Attorney?

If your employer has failed to pay you appropriately, you might think you can simply calculate your losses and hold them accountable on your own. The reality is that interpreting the wage and hour laws of the US and the state-level regulations of California can be more difficult than you expect. Additionally, it’s possible to make mistakes with your calculations. You might think you know exactly what your claim is worth, but if you overlook key details, you could settle for less than you legally deserve.

Many wage and hour disputes occur in tandem with other workplace disputes, such as harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. No matter what your case entails, you stand a much better chance of succeeding with your claim when you have an experienced Los Angeles wage claim attorney to provide guidance. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez strive to remain updated regarding all the latest legislation that may come into play in your case. We also have the experience necessary to determine your best options for recourse after experiencing any type of wage loss. Whether your lost income resulted from negligence or intentional misconduct, we can help.

Understanding California Wage and Hour Laws

A wage claim can take many forms. When an employer fails to follow applicable state and federal laws for paying their employees, they become liable for those employees’ losses and related damages. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez have successfully represented past clients in many types of wage and hour disputes, including:

• Minimum wage violations. The California minimum wage is much higher than the federal minimum wage. If an employer fails to meet California’s minimum wage requirements, they are liable for the difference to the employee.
• Overtime violations. In California, “overtime” refers to time worked past 40 hours in a workweek or over eight hours in one workday. The standard overtime rate is 1.5 times the employee’s usual hourly rate. This means if an employee usually works eight hours a day in a workweek but works nine hours on one day, that extra hour must be paid at 1.5 times the employee’s usual hourly rate.
• False hours reporting. Some employers may attempt to skirt their overtime obligations by falsifying employees’ work records. They may attempt to spread worked hours across multiple pay periods or engage in other deceptive acts to attempt to deny employees overtime pay.
• Misclassifying employees as contractors. California legislators recently enacted new laws to prevent employers from simply characterizing employees as contractors. This misclassification effectively allowed them to avoid paying payroll taxes, healthcare benefits, and other required compensation owed to full-time employees.
• Illegal payroll deductions. Most employers automatically deduct payroll taxes from their employees’ checks, and they may be required to make other deductions as well. However, they may only deduct what they are legally required to take from payroll. Employers are required to provide employees with pay stubs that accurately list all deductions.
• Failure to reimburse. Employers may require employees to purchase specific clothing, tools, or equipment to perform their job duties, but they are required to reimburse such purchases. Employers are also responsible for paying their employees for mileage when employees need to drive for work.

Unfortunately, some employees experience a pattern of losses before they discover their employers have failed to adhere to state and federal wage laws. No matter what violations your case involves, you have the best chance of holding your employer accountable and securing payment when you have a Los Angeles wage claim lawyer handling your case.

What to Expect During Your Wage Dispute

Proving your side of a wage and hour dispute can be much more challenging than you might expect. The average person may overlook key details or miscalculate their losses and risk undervaluing their claim. They may also believe that internal conflict resolution channels through their employer are their only options for recovering lost income and benefits. The reality is that any wage and hour dispute is much easier to approach when you have the guidance of an experienced Los Angeles wage claim attorney.

Your legal team can carefully review your employment contract and any other documentation pertinent to your case. The process with help you determine the full scope of your claimable losses. Depending on your employer’s behavior, your attorney may be able to secure a private settlement that secures what you’re owed and prevents similar behavior in the future. If you discover a significant pattern of intentional wage violations, your attorney can help you determine the best next steps to take. Options may include reporting your employer to the United States Department of Labor and/or the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Contact a Los Angeles Wage and Hour Claims Attorney

It’s natural to feel stressed and uncertain when your employer has deprived you of the wages and benefitsyou’re legally owed. The best way to handle this situation is by contacting an experienced Los Angeles wage claim lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you begin building your claim, the better your chance of holding your employer accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez today to schedule your consultation with our team.