Meal break laws can be complex, and employers often take advantage of employees who don’t know their rights. If this has happened to you, a Los Angeles employment lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.
California labor law is designed to protect workers from being exploited or denied proper rest. Unfortunately, many employers violate or outright ignore meal break rules, leaving their employees unpaid and overextended. That’s where a meal break violation lawyer comes in.
The lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys have decades of combined experience. If your employer has violated your meal break rights, a meal break violation lawyer in Los Angeles can help you seek justice. Schedule a free consultation today.
Why Hire a Los Angeles Meal Break Violation Lawyer?
If you’ve been denied meal breaks at work, a Los Angeles meal break violation lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case: An attorney can determine whether your employer’s conduct violates California meal break laws.
- Negotiate a settlement: Many employers deny wrongdoing. A lawyer can present evidence and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
- Maximize your compensation: A lawyer understands what damages you can seek and can work to recover the full amount you’re owed.
- File a lawsuit: If your employer refuses to pay, an attorney can take your case to court and advocate for you there.
What Is the Penalty for a Meal Break Violation in California?
California law imposes strict penalties on employers who fail to provide meal breaks. If your employer does not allow you to take a legally required meal break, they must pay you one additional hour of pay at your regular rate for each workday the violation occurs. This penalty is known as a “meal period premium.”
A meal break violation attorney in Los Angeles can calculate the true value of your case and ensure you’re fairly compensated.
(310) 526-8383How Long Do I Have to File a Meal Break Violation Lawsuit in CA?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a meal break violation claim is generally three years from the date of the violation.
However, if you include your claim as part of a wage and hour lawsuit under the California Unfair Competition Law, you may have up to four years.
Waiting to act could result in you losing your right to recover compensation, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you suspect a violation.
Common Examples of Meal Break Violations
Meal break violations are not always obvious. Some of the most common examples include:
- Requiring employees to work through lunch without pay
- Providing less than 30 minutes for a meal break
- Interrupting employees during their meal breaks with work tasks
- Forcing employees to stay on-site or remain “on call” during their break
- Scheduling meal breaks too late in the shift
If any of these sound familiar, your employer may be violating California law.
(310) 526-8383Meal Break Laws in California
California has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country. Under state law:
- Employees working more than five hours in a day must receive a 30-minute meal break.
- Employees working more than 10 hours in a day are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break.
- Meal periods must be uninterrupted and duty-free. Employers cannot require you to work during this time.
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(310) 526-8383 Are There Exceptions to CA’s Lunch Break Rules?
Yes, there are limited exceptions to California’s lunch break rules:
- Short shifts: If your total shift is six hours or less, you and your employer may agree to waive the meal break.
- Second break waiver: If you work between 10 and 12 hours, you may waive your second meal break if you took the first one.
- Certain industries: Employees in healthcare, movie production, and unionized workplaces may have different rules under collective bargaining agreements.
What Should I Do if My Employer Denies My Meal Break in Los Angeles?
If your employer denies your legally required break, you should:
- Document the violations: Keep records of when your employer failed to provide a break.
- Review your pay stubs: Check for missing premium pay that should have been included.
- Report the violation internally: Some employers may resolve the issue once it’s brought to their attention.
- Consult an attorney: A meal break violation lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for your best interests.
Get Help From a Meal Break Violation Attorney in Los Angeles
As a California employee, you deserve fair treatment at work. If your employer has denied you meal breaks or failed to pay the required penalties, a Los Angeles meal break violation attorney from Omega Law Group can hold them accountable and recover the compensation you are owed.
Don’t let your employer get away with violating your rights. Schedule a free consultation today to find out how you can get justice and obtain compensation.
