Los Angeles Unpaid Wages Attorney
mployee misclassification, unpaid overtime, and benefit reductions can all lead to unpaid wages. Fortunately, both federal and state regulations work together to protect employees from unfair treatment. Whether your employer has withheld funds intentionally or accidentally, you may be entitled to back pay. Recovering unpaid wages can be stressful, especially if you are still employed by the offending employer. When you are unsure where to turn or how to proceed, a Los Angeles labor attorney can help explain your rights and fight for you in a court of law.
Blackstone Law is a team of leading employment lawyers with extensive experience helping victims with unpaid wages in Los Angeles. Featured in the Business Insider and The Hollywood Reporter, we proudly offer our clients the award-winning representation they deserve. We are dedicated to building our clients’ trust as we represent them with honesty and integrity.
What Should I Do if My Employer Is Not Paying Me for the Hours I Worked?
If you believe your employer is not paying you for the hours you have worked, you should carefully evaluate your pay to verify it corresponds to what you should be earning. You should confirm that the following are correct:
- The hours you worked
- The pay rate you were promised and agreed to with your employer
- You were credited for any overtime
- The deductions are legitimate
Many companies underpay their employees significantly, either on purpose or by accident, and the practice is widespread throughout California. Failing to pay employees for the correct number of hours, including overtime, is wage theft. When an employee discovers their pay is incorrect, they should immediately contact their manager or human resources department.
If your employer refuses to address your concerns, you should submit a complaint to the US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division and report your employer to the labor commissioner. You could file a lawsuit against your employer as well.
Does My Situation Qualify as a Wages & Hours Violation in LA?
From forced “off the clock” work to missed meal breaks, there are a myriad of scenarios that can lead to unpaid wages. California state law mandates a minimum wage which is higher than the federal minimum, and some large cities such as Los Angeles have their own minimums. Employers must honor the highest minimum requirement to be compliant with all laws. One form of unpaid wages is a refusal to pay the highest applicable minimum.
When evaluating a potential claim, you will need to determine whether you have been denied the following:
- Overtime
- Wages
- Break periods
- Improper deductions from your pay or your tips due to tip pooling
- Improper classification as an independent contractor or as an exempt employee
Every circumstance is different, but there is one thing that all unpaid wage cases have in common. This unifying thread is that the employers’ actions were unjust. Many victims may be hesitant to come forward because they do not believe their experiences truly constitute unpaid wages. A missed lunch break here and there can be tempting to shrug off, rather than say something and risk retaliation by filing a complaint. In order to make a determination on whether you were underpaid, it is best to speak with unpaid wages lawyers such as those at Blackstone Law. We will review the facts in your distinct circumstances and advise you on how to proceed.
How Do I Recover from Unpaid Wages?
Before filing a lawsuit, you may wish to file a complaint with the appropriate governing bodies. In this case, you will need to contact The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD). Do not hesitate to contact an unpaid wages attorney prior to filing a complaint. This is particularly beneficial if you are likely to face retaliation from your employer for your actions.
For many people, the path to recovery involves bringing a case before a judge. By pursuing a court case, victims can hold the perpetrators of the wrongdoing responsible for their actions and recover all benefits and compensation due. Our award-winning unpaid wages lawyers may be able to help you build a claim to get the maximum compensation you are owed.
What Should I Look for in a Los Angeles Unpaid Wages Lawyer?
When selecting a Los Angeles unpaid wages lawyer, you should search for one who can become your partner throughout the litigation process. An attorney needs full access to all the relevant details of your case, and you will want to find trustworthy counsel who will advocate for your rights. Other qualities to look for in a Los Angeles unpaid wages lawyer include:
- Attentive care
- Prompt communication
- Excellent client testimonials
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Dedicated representation
Our seasoned unpaid wage lawyers possess these qualities and much more, making our legal team well-equipped to help build you a strong claim as you fight for what you are owed.
Why Blackstone Law for a Los Angeles Unpaid Wages Case?
Every unpaid wages case is unique, and every lawyer in Los Angeles has a different case management style. Although we can’t promise a quick fix, we’ll stay in constant contact as your case progresses and work to manage your expectations at every stage of the process. Whenever you have questions, you’ll be able to reach your lawyers for a quick response. Your best interests are our highest priority, whether that means accepting a settlement or proceeding to trial. When you need dedicated, determined, and honest legal representation, contact the Los Angeles unpaid wages attorneys at Blackstone Law.
The foundation of our practice is a genuine compassion for our clients. As California lawyers, we constantly strive to uphold the rights of the individuals we represent.
If you’d like to learn more about the law of unpaid wages, consider reviewing our guide to California Employment Law. In this guide, we delve into more detail about your rights as an employee, as well as the legal obligations of your employer.
When you need dedicated, determined, and honest legal representation, contact the Los Angeles unpaid wages attorneys at Blackstone Law. If you’d like to learn more about the law on unpaid wages, consider reviewing our guide to California Employment Law. In this guide, we delve into more detail about your rights as an employee as well as the legal obligations of your employer. To set up a free case consultation with a Los Angeles employment attorney, fill out this form or call (310) 956-4054.