At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping employees recover unpaid wages and hold employers accountable for violations.
Our unpaid wage lawyers in Long Beach can assist with cases involving unpaid wages, overtime, missed breaks, or other wage violations.
With decades of experience between us, we have helped countless workers fight for their rights and recover what they’re owed. Whether your employer has withheld pay, misclassified your role, or violated labor regulations, our Long Beach employment lawyers are here to help.
We can file a claim or a lawsuit to recover what you are owed. Contact Omega Law Group today to begin learning about your legal options.
Types of Wage Violations Our Long Beach Lawyers Handle
Our firm represents workers in a wide range of wage and hour disputes. Here are some types of wage violations we can help you with:
- Unpaid overtime: Employers must pay overtime for hours worked beyond 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. Failing to pay time-and-a-half or double-time is a violation of your rights.
- Minimum wage violations: California has some of the highest minimum wage standards in the country. Paying below the legal rate is illegal, even if you agreed to it.
- Missed meal and rest breaks: Workers are entitled to paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks. Denying these or failing to compensate for missed breaks violates labor laws.
- Misclassification: Employers sometimes improperly classify employees as “exempt” or as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime and benefits.
- Late or withheld paychecks: Wages must be paid on time, and final paychecks must be issued promptly after termination or resignation.
- Illegal deductions from wages: Employers cannot deduct money from your paycheck for losses like broken equipment, cash shortages, or other business costs.
Even if you’re unsure whether you’ve received your full pay or have doubts about a recent paystub, we can review your records and help determine if you have a case.
Employee Rights Under California Wage Laws
California has some of the strongest wage and hour laws in the country, designed to protect employees and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Employers in California are required to follow strict rules regarding wages, hours worked, and breaks.
These regulations apply to most employees, regardless of job type, industry, or whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or temporary worker.
Overtime Pay
Under California Labor Code § 510, employees must be paid overtime at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 8 hours in a single day, 40 hours in a single workweek, or the first eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.
Employees are entitled to double their regular rate for any hours worked over 12 in a single day or over eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.
Meal and Rest Breaks
According to California Labor Code §§ 226.7 and 512, employees are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break for every five hours worked. If an employee works more than ten hours, they are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break.
For rest breaks, workers are entitled to a ten-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked or a “major fraction thereof.” If an employer denies these breaks or requires employees to work through them, they must provide an additional hour of pay for each missed meal or rest break as a penalty.
Accurate Paychecks
Employers are required under California Labor Code § 226 to provide itemized wage statements that include the total hours worked, overtime hours and pay, deductions (such as taxes or benefits), and total wages earned during the pay period.
Providing inaccurate or incomplete pay stubs is a violation of employees’ rights and can result in penalties for employers.
(310) 526-8383Steps to Take if You Suspect You are Owed Unpaid Wages
If you believe your employer has failed to pay you what you’re owed, you can take proactive steps to document the unpaid wages and prepare for a legal case.
Gather Documentation
Start by collecting any evidence that supports your claim. This includes the following:
- Pay stubs that show discrepancies in your wages or deductions
- Time records, such as punch cards, clock-in/clock-out logs, or personal notes tracking your hours
- Employment agreements, offer letters, or policies outlining your rate of pay, overtime eligibility, and break entitlements
These documents can help establish the amount you are owed and prove your employer’s failure to comply with wage laws.
Write Down Details About Your Time at Work
Create a detailed record of your experience to ensure nothing is overlooked. Include as much of the following information as possible:
- Specific dates and times when you worked unpaid hours or missed meal and rest breaks
- The hours you believe were underpaid or not paid at all, including overtime
- Any communication with your employer about wages, such as emails, texts, or meeting notes
A clear timeline and written account will strengthen your case.
Contact Our Unpaid Wage Lawyers
Our experienced unpaid wage lawyers in Long Beach can review your records, explain your rights, and help you file a claim with the California Labor Commissioner or pursue legal action to recover what you’re owed. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin gathering the required evidence to build your case.
Call Omega Law Group to Get Started
California’s wage and hour laws exist to ensure that workers are paid fairly and treated with respect. If your employer has failed to pay you properly, you have the right to take action and recover the wages you’ve earned.
Act now to protect your rights. Contact Omega Law Group today for help from our Long Beach unpaid wage lawyer. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and work to recover the compensation you deserve.
