Riverside Wage and Hour Lawyer

Wage and Hour Lawyer in Riverside, CA

All employers in California are required to pay their employees appropriately for the time they spend at work. Some employees are paid on an hourly basis, and the amount they receive in their paychecks hinges on their hourly rate and number of hours worked each workweek. Other employees are salaried, and they receive the same compensation for each week at work despite any variances in the time they spend working.

No matter what your employment situation may entail in regard to pay, your employer must follow state and federal laws when it comes to your compensation. Wage and hour disputes can arise when employers fail in their responsibilities and do not pay their employees correctly. If you believe your employer owes you unpaid wages, an experienced Riverside wage and hour attorney is the best resource to consult.

The Azadian Law Group, PC has years of experience representing clients in the Riverside area in a wide range of employment disputes. We understand the stress that any wage and hour dispute can cause for an employee, and we also know the tactics some employers will use to attempt to avoid their responsibility to properly compensate employees. If you have any type of wage and hour dispute with a Riverside employer, we can provide the legal representation you need to navigate the situation effectively.

Why Do I Need a Riverside Wage and Hour Attorney?

It would be incredibly daunting and challenging for any employee to attempt to handle a wage and hour dispute with an employer on their own. Employers who knowingly refuse to pay their employees appropriately typically go to great lengths to conceal their activities and avoid liability for civil claims. The right attorney can potentially help their client prove the full extent of the unpaid wages owed to them and hold the employer accountable for their actions.

The Azadian Law Group, PC takes a client-focused approach to every wage and hour dispute we handle in Riverside. We’ll carefully review the details of your situation, help you calculate the wages and other compensation your employer legally owes to you, and assist you in securing fair compensation for your unpaid wages. The sooner you secure legal counsel you can trust, the better your chances are of securing the compensation you deserve for your wage and hour dispute.

Common Types of Wage and Hour Disputes in Riverside, CA

The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) is the government agency responsible for upholding the state’s wage and hour laws. All employers are required to abide by the DLSE’s laws and the regulations set forth by the California Labor Code. However, not all employers meet these obligations. Some of the most commonly cited wage and hour violations in Riverside include:

• Failure to meet the state’s minimum wage requirements. California enforces a higher minimum wage than the federal minimum wage. If your employer has failed to pay you at least the California minimum wage, you have grounds for a claim.
• Forcing employees to work off the clock. Employers are not only legally required to pay employees for all the work they do, but they must also track the time employees spend working during each workday.
• Refusal of meals or rest breaks. The California Labor Code requires employees to have breaks during their shifts. The length of the shift typically determines the length of the break an employee should have.
• Overtime violations. California state law requires employers to compensate employees for overtime, which can apply when an employee works more than eight hours in a shift or more than 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime may be paid at a rate of 1.5 times the employee’s standard pay rate or double the rate if the employee meets certain conditions.
• Failure to reimburse business expenses. Whenever an employee must make a purchase for work, their employer is obligated to compensate them. This applies to any expenses incurred for work-related communication and travel, such as the employee’s phone and mileage on their vehicle.
• Failure to provide paystubs. Employers must provide employees with paystubs that clearly show the number of hours worked, the employee’s hourly rate, and a complete list of all deductions, like income taxes.
• Manipulation of employee time records. An employer may attempt to change an employee’s time records to avoid owing them overtime.

These are just a few examples of how employers may become liable for wage and hour disputes from employees. If you are unsure whether an employer’s recent actions qualify for legal action, it is vital that you speak with an experienced Riverside wage and hour lawyer as soon as possible.

Damages and Compensation for Your Wage and Hour Dispute in Riverside, CA

You have the right to seek repayment for any unpaid wages and other compensation your employer legally owes to you. While some employees may have a relatively easy time calculating these losses, such calculations are more challenging for other workers. If you are unsure how to approach your case, it’s essential to have legal counsel you can trust.

The Azadian Law Group, PC has successfully represented many past clients in complex wage and hour cases, and we know that these disputes can easily generate even more complex employment law cases. For example, an employee may complain to their supervisor about unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, or some other wage and hour dispute, and the employer responds by firing the employee. In this situation, a wage and hour dispute transformed into a wrongful termination case, and now the employee faces an even more challenging situation.

Your Riverside wage and hour lawyer will help you determine the full scope of damages you can seek in your case. Lost income from unpaid wages and benefits is generally the focus of these lawsuits. However, you also have the right to seek compensation for the emotional distress your employer caused by failing to pay you correctly. You also have the right to seek compensation for legal fees incurred in your efforts to secure the unpaid wages owed to you.

In the event your case exceeds the scope of a standard wage and hour dispute, and you must hold your employer accountable for creating a hostile work environment and/or terminating your employment, you should prepare for a difficult claim process with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is responsible for investigating all claims of workplace harassment and discrimination in the US, including wrongful termination. Your Riverside wage and hour attorney may not only help you file a civil claim to secure repayment of the wages owed to you but also assist you in navigating the EEOC claim process and holding your employer accountable for any other unethical actions they have taken against you.

Contact Us Today

Unpaid wages can cause severe economic strain for the affected worker and their family. When you work for an employer and fulfill your job duties, you have the right to expect fair pay under the terms of the California Labor Code.

While you may feel isolated in this situation, you are not alone, and the Azadian Law Group, PC, can offer the legal counsel you need to approach your case with confidence and peace of mind. If you are ready to explore your options for legal recourse regarding a wage and hour dispute, contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team.