San Diego, CA Wage and Hour Lawyer

Whether you work as an independent contractor or a full-time employee, you expect to get paid for your work and for your pay to accurately reflect the amount of work you performed. California has wage and hour laws to ensure companies do this, creating rules and regulations for minimum wage rates, overtime pay, break requirements, and more. However, these laws can be challenging to understand, making it hard to know if your employer has violated them.

If your employer fails to pay you your wages, doesn’t pay you overtime pay for overtime work, or misclassifies you as an independent contractor or non-exempt worker, you may have the right to file a wage and hour violation claim and pursue compensation for your losses. With the help of a trusted lawyer, you can better understand your rights as an employee and your legal options to hold your employer accountable for their negligence.

At Jassim Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience handling complex employment law cases, including wage and hour violation claims. Our dedicated lawyers work closely with you to create personalized legal plans and strategies that give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome. With this commitment to excellence and client-focused approach, we have garnered countless positive reviews that give you the peace of mind that you are in the right hands.

What Are California’s Wage and Hour Laws?

While California has some of the country’s most employee-friendly wage and hour laws, they can be difficult for employees to navigate and fully understand. However, knowing your rights is crucial to protecting them if your employer violates one or more of these laws. 

Important aspects of California’s wage and hour laws that employers often violate include the following:

Minimum Wage Rates

Minimum wage acts as a baseline for what employers should workers for each hour of work. Currently, in California, the minimum wage is $16 per hour for all employees, no matter the size of the company or business they work for. If your employer pays you under the minimum wage, you may file a claim to recover your lost wages and other potential damages that resulted from this violation.

Overtime Pay

If you are a non-exempt employee and exceed standard working hours during your scheduled shift or workday, you are entitled to overtime pay, which is one-and-a-half times your regular rate per California law. Working 12-hour shifts and seven work days straight entitles you to double-time pay. 

Break Requirements

For every five hours you work as a San Diego employee, your boss must give you an uninterrupted 30-minute break with no calls or emails. If you work a six-hour shift, you and your boss may mutually agree to skip this break. Another 30-minute break is earned after 10 hours of working. 

Additionally, for every four hours worked, you are legally entitled to a rest period of ten minutes minimum. If your boss fails to grant you even one of these breaks, they violate California wage and hour laws and may be liable for the damages you suffer as a result.

Work Time 

As a San Diego employee, your work time refers to the period you are subject to your employer’s control. This includes all tasks your employer requires, which means if they ask you to come to work early or stay late, that extra time counts as work time. Work time also includes on-call hours if you must remain on-site during this period.

What Compensation Is Available for Victims of Wage and Hour Violations?

The impact of your employer violating wage and hour laws can have a serious impact on your life, resulting in emotional and financial damages. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may receive compensation for the following:

• Non-Economic harms (Pain and suffering)
  • Mental suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Anxiety/Grief
  • Inconvenience
• Lost wages or income (past and for the future)
• Lost Benefits
• Statutory Damages and Penalties
• Punitive damages
• Reputational damages
• Attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses

Our skilled lawyers at Jassim Law can help increase your chance of recovering maximum damages by preserving evidence, negotiating on your behalf, and considering every detail to determine the best possible resolution that allows you to receive the payment you deserve.

How Can a Lawyer Help With Your San Diego Wage and Hour Violation Case?

Being the victim of a wage and hour violation can be frustrating, and while you want to seek justice, you may not know where to start. At Jassim Law, we understand the challenges you face when being paid unfairly, so we take your legal burdens off your shoulders to give you a less stressful legal experience. 

We provide high-quality, comprehensive legal services that cover every aspect of your case, including the following:

• Filing a lawsuit to subpoena evidence that is not otherwise available
• Thoroughly investigating every detail of your case IMMEDIATELY
• Obtaining and reviewing all relevant employment records and documentation
• Collecting and preserving vital evidence and witness statements
• Hiring the best experts your case requires
• Interviewing critical witnesses and HR personnel
• Filing all paperwork correctly and on time
• Advocating aggressively for your rights and interests inside and outside of court
• Supporting you through every step of California’s claims process
• Determining whether additional parties or entities are at fault
• Answering your legal questions
• Keeping you updated on the status of your case
• Negotiating with all parties on your behalf

In addition to managing your case, we work efficiently to file your claim within the three-year statute of limitations so you do not miss your opportunity to fight for your rights and compensation. With this support, you can focus on what matters most while having the best chance of a successful result.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Jassim Law for Help With Wage and Hour Claims in San Diego

At Jassim Law, we are dedicated to ensuring that workers receive the compensation they deserve. With over 20 years of experience handling complex employment law cases, including wage and hour violations, we know how to navigate these challenges effectively. Moreover, we are committed to keeping communities safe and holding negligent parties accountable.

Our founder, Attorney Pajman Jassim, is recognized as a SuperLawyer from 2017-2024, showcasing our firm’s excellence and dedication. If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at (619) 630-2680 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.