If your employer has failed to pay you the wages you’ve earned, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help. Our unpaid wage lawyers in Los Angeles understand how frustrating and unfair it is to be denied the compensation you’re owed.
California law protects workers from wage theft, but holding employers accountable can sometimes require legal action. With decades of experience between us, we have helped countless employees recover unpaid wages, including overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, commissions, and more.
Our Los Angeles employment lawyer can guide you through the process and fight to get you the compensation you need. Contact Omega Law Group today to discuss your case.
What Qualifies as Unpaid Wages?
Unpaid wages refer to any compensation that your employer has failed to pay you for the work you’ve performed. California law, including provisions in the California Labor Code, protects employees from wage theft and ensures fair and timely payment.
State laws regarding unpaid wages include:
- Unpaid overtime: Under California Labor Code § 510, non-exempt employees must be paid overtime at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week. Failure to pay this is considered unpaid wages.
- Failure to pay minimum wage: Employers are required to pay at least the state or local minimum wage as outlined in California Labor Code § 1197. Pay below this standard is unlawful.
- Missed meal and rest break compensation: According to California Labor Code § 226.7, if an employer fails to provide legally required meal or rest breaks, employees are entitled to one additional hour of pay per missed break.
- Unpaid commissions, bonuses, or tips: Employers withholding earned commissions, bonuses, or tips is a violation of California Labor Code § 204.1 and other applicable laws.
Our Los Angeles unpaid wage attorneys can determine if any of these laws apply to your case and take legal action to recover your losses.
How Our Los Angeles Unpaid Wage Attorneys Build a Case
At Omega Law Group, our experienced unpaid wage attorneys know what to look for when approaching employment law cases. We begin by assessing your contract, pay records, and any other related documentation to determine where discrepancies exist. From there, we handle the claims process or prepare to fight for you in court.
Reviewing Your Pay Records
We start by carefully reviewing all relevant documents, including the following:
- Pay stubs and wage statements
- Timecards and work schedules
- Employment agreements or offer letters
- Any correspondence with your employer regarding hours worked or pay
If you don’t have complete records, don’t worry. California law requires employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid. We can request these records to support your case.
Filing a Claim with the Labor Commissioner
If your employer has violated California wage and hour laws, we can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). This process involves:
- Preparing and submitting your claim with supporting evidence
- Representing you in the Labor Commissioner’s hearing
- Negotiating with your employer to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest
The Labor Commissioner’s Office often resolves wage disputes through this process, but if a fair resolution isn’t reached, we are ready to take the next step.
Pursuing Litigation if Necessary
If filing a claim with the Labor Commissioner does not result in full compensation, we are prepared to pursue litigation in court.
This includes:
- Filing a lawsuit against your employer for unpaid wages, penalties, and damages
- Using discovery to gather additional evidence, such as payroll records and communications
- Advocating for you throughout the trial process to fight for the wages you’re owed
Our team will also explore recovering additional compensation, such as waiting time penalties and attorneys’ fees.
Providing Personalized Support
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide guidance every step of the way. We understand how stressful this situation can be, and we’re here to fight for your rights.
(310) 526-8383How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Unpaid Wages?
The amount of time you have to file a claim for unpaid wages depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In general, claims for unpaid wages, overtime, missed breaks, or other wage violations must be filed within a few years of the date the issue occurred.
For example, the statute of limitations for contract-based claims in California is outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure:
- Two years for oral agreements, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 339(1).
- Four years for written agreements, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 337(1).
These statutes apply to claims involving breaches of contract, such as unpaid commissions, bonuses, or other compensation agreed upon in a contract.
Waiting too long to file a claim could result in losing your right to recover the wages you’re owed. Evidence like pay records and work schedules may become harder to obtain over time, as well.
Why Choose a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer From Choose Omega Law Group?
At Omega Law Group, we take a client-first approach, prioritizing your needs and providing personalized support every step of the way. Wage disputes can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process, taking care of you like family.
We’ve handled a wide range of wage and hour cases, including unpaid wages, overtime, and misclassification. Our deep understanding of California labor laws allows us to build strong cases and secure substantial recoveries for our clients through negotiations and court victories.
Omega Law Group is Ready to Start Your Claim for Unpaid Wages
You work hard to provide for your family. When an employer fails to pay you what you’re owed, you deserve the support of a lawyer who will care for you like you care for your loved ones.
At Omega Law Group, we understand how unpaid wages can impact your life, and we are committed to fighting for the recovery you deserve.
Don’t let your employer’s actions go unanswered. Let us help you recover the wages you’ve earned and hold your employer accountable. Contact our team to start your case today.
