Irvine Unpaid Overtime Lawyer

State law requires employers to pay overtime wages when employees work more than a certain number of hours in a day or week. Unfortunately, some companies unlawfully avoid paying overtime to cut costs.

If you have been paid less than the wage you deserve, an experienced employment attorney may be able to help. There are legal options available for holding the company you work for accountable. Reach out to our Irvine unpaid overtime lawyer today to learn more.

When Is Overtime Required?

State law clearly outlines when employers must pay overtime. In an effort to prevent companies from abusing the system, these requirements go beyond simply setting daily or weekly limits. The California Labor Code offers stronger protections for workers than federal law does when it comes to overtime eligibility. You may qualify for overtime if you work for longer than eight hours per day, 40 hours per week, or seven consecutive days.

The specific rates that employers must pay can also vary. For example, if you work for longer than the daily or weekly limit, you should earn one and a half times your current hourly rate. This goes up to double that amount if you work longer than a 12-hour shift. The same is true if you are on duty for more than eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work.

However, some exceptions apply. For example, salaried employees, including executives and certain professionals, are considered exempt and are not entitled to overtime regardless of the hours they work. If you think you have not been adequately paid for your hours of work, our Irvine attorneys could determine your eligibility for overtime.

What Damages Are Available in an Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit?

When your employer does not pay the wage you are owed, state law provides specific remedies. With the help of our Irvine lawyers, you have the option to seek compensation for unpaid overtime.

Overtime Compensation

For most workers, the primary type of recoverable damages is compensation for unpaid overtime. This involves the employer paying the difference between the wages they paid and the additional amount that they owe. This amount is calculated and proven using employment records. In addition to the wages themselves, it may be possible to recover interest on the unpaid overtime.

Liquidated Damages

State law also allows for liquidated damages. This type of compensation is designed to provide additional support to workers who were not adequately paid after working long hours. Liquidated damages are equal to the amount of overtime compensation owed. In other words, there is the opportunity to recover double damages in these cases.

Legal Fees

Plaintiffs could also recover the court costs and legal fees that come with filing a successful civil suit. This is significant as the cost of hiring an attorney for prolonged litigation could be substantial.

Penalties

The law also allows for penalties in these cases. In addition to any of the other types of compensation owed, employers may have to pay $100 for an initial violation. For second and subsequent incidents, penalties could increase to $200 and include an additional 25 percent of all unpaid wages.

Contact Our Irvine Attorneys Today for Help With Unpaid Overtime

If your employer has not paid you what they owe you for working overtime, you have the right to seek financial compensation. A civil suit could not only recoup those wages but also provide you with additional payments in the form of penalties and liquidated damages.

No one should have to fight for the wages they rightfully earned. Instead of attempting to address these issues on your own, reach out to our Irvine unpaid overtime lawyer right away for a confidential consultation.